Abstract
Introduction
Operating room air quality can be affected by several factors including temperature, humidity, and airborne particle burden. Our study examines the role of operating room (OR) size on air quality and airborne particle (ABP) count in primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA).
Materials and methods
We analyzed all primary, elective TKAs performed within two ORs measuring 278 sq ft. (small) and 501 sq ft. (large) at a single academic institution in the United States from April 2019 to June 2020. Intraoperative measurements of temperature, humidity, and ABP count were recorded. p values were calculated using t test for continuous variables and chi-square for categorical values.
Results
91 primary TKA cases were included in the study, with 21 (23.1%) in the small OR and 70 (76.9%) in the large OR. Between-groups comparisons revealed significant differences in relative humidity (small OR 38.5% ± 7.24% vs. large OR 44.4% ± 8.01%, p = 0.002). Significant percent decreases in ABP rates for particles measuring 2.5 μm (− 43.9%, p = 0.007) and 5.0 μm (− 69.0%, p = 0.0024) were found in the large OR. Total time spent in the OR was not significantly different between the two groups (small OR 153.09 ± 22.3 vs. large OR 173 ± 44.6, p = 0.05).
Conclusions
Although total time spent in the room did not differ between the large and small OR, there were significant differences in humidity and ABP rates for particles measuring 2.5 μm and 5.0 μm, suggesting the filtration system encounters less particle burden in larger rooms. Larger studies are required to determine the impact this may have on OR sterility and infection rates.
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Data availability
Data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author, upon reasonable request.
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Royalties—Smith&Nephew. Speakers—Pacira Pharmaceuticals. Paid consultant—Smith&Nephew, Intelijoint, Horizon Pharmaceuticals. Stock—Intelijoint, Gauss Surgical, PSI, GENOVEL. Research support—Smith&Nephew, Intelijoint, Zimmer/Biomet. Other financial support—Smitha&Nephew. Medical publications editorial/governing board—JOA, Arthroplasty Today. Board member—AAHKS, AAOS, AJRR Steering Committee, PCORI.
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Shen, M., Sicat, C.S., Schwarzkopf, R. et al. Larger operating rooms have better air quality than smaller rooms in primary total knee arthroplasty. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg 143, 6335–6338 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00402-023-04886-y
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00402-023-04886-y