Does laminar airflow make a difference to the infection rates for lower limb arthroplasty: a study using the National Joint Registry and local surgical site infection data for two hospitals with and without laminar airflow

摘要: This study compared the National Joint Registry for England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Isle of Man (NJR) data total hip replacements (THRs) knee (TKRs) from Hospital A [with laminar airflow (LAF)] B (without LAF). These hospitals were originally managed by two different trusts that subsequently merged. Consequently, theatres in have always had LAF those only conventional ventilation systems. As this merger happened before establishment NJR, it puts us a unique position, enabling direct comparison revision rates infected between follow similar infection protocols. Analysis NJR showed there no statistical differences. Of 2234 TKRs performed at A, 16 revised infection, whereas 19 3694 (p < 0.33). 1752 THRs 5 was case 12 3163 (p < 0.59). There also difference when combining figures Our local surgical site (SSI) these analysed. Again, sites (p < 0.34). Using has not reduced rate nor incidence SSI our theatres. is first comparing serving patient populations using data. questions rationale increasing use routine lower limb arthroplasty. We call greater debate more robust studies on subject.