Expected contamination of the orthopedic surgeon's conjunctiva.

Likely contamination of a surgeon's conjunctiva by patients' body fluids is surprisingly frequent. Blood and fat are the most common agents but cellular implantation may occur. Possible contamination was documented in 37 of 60 orthopedic procedures. Power tools, hammering and the use of rongeurs are the main culprits in producing a forced spray most likely to cause contamination. Reduction of the hip at the time of replacement arthroplasty is often associated with propulsion of blood. Not a single case of possible contamination resulted from the pumping action of a severed vessel. Since orthopedic surgeons work in a high-risk environment, safety glasses are recommended to prevent contraction of viral diseases such as hepatitis B and acquired immune deficiency syndrome by way of the conjunctiva. The glasses will also protect the surgeon from bacterial and cellular conjunctival contamination, in addition to preventing physical damage secondary to propelled bone and cement.