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Assessment of Needlestick and Sharps Injuries (NSSIs) Amongst Orthopaedic Surgeons in Clinical Practice: A Pan-India Cross-Sectional Study

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Indian Journal of Orthopaedics Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Introduction

Needlestick and sharps injuries (NSSIs) represent an existential occupational hazard risk to orthopaedic surgeons during their career due to the interaction with various devices, instruments and bone fragments. Consequently, NSSIs have the potential to transmit infections such as Hepatitis B (HBV), Hepatitis C (HCV) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) leading to serious illness. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to identify the clinical settings predisposing orthopaedic surgeons to NSSIs and assess their adherence to safety protocols in the Indian context.

Materials and Methods

An online cross-sectional survey of 618 orthopaedic surgeons in India, stratified by experience into two groups: under five years and with 5 years or more was undertaken. The data were collected via an expert-validated online questionnaire to evaluate demographic distribution, injury characteristics, knowledge of safety protocols, and adherence to these protocols. Descriptive statistics summarized the data, Chi-square tests assessed variable associations, and odds ratios were computed for significant variables. Ethical integrity was maintained via electronic informed consent and for confidentiality assurances.

Results

The study revealed that orthopaedic surgeons with less than 5 years of clinical experience had higher risks for NSSIs as compared to those with 5 or more years of clinical practice. Conversely, the latter group was more susceptible to bone spike injuries and viral positive needlestick incidents. The analysis shows that whilst the more experienced practitioners displayed greater proficiency in the application of universal precautions and NSSI prevention, they were also less likely to report injuries, often due to discomfiture. Risk profiles were consistent across different practice settings and affiliations, regardless of experience level.

Conclusion

This cross-sectional study reveals less experienced orthopaedic surgeons face higher risks of NSSIs, possibly due to inadequate education or awareness. More experienced practitioners encounter distinct risks, likely owing to long-term exposure and traditional practices. There is an immediate need to raise awareness of the potential risks of NSSIs, enhanced education, appropriate training, collaboration with the hospital risk management team and developing a culture of transparent reporting to mitigate these risks. The emphasis should be on reducing the incidence and fostering open reporting of NSSIs to protect clinicians and promote health safety.

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Data Availability

All data is contained within the manuscript.

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Funding

The authors have not declared a specific grant for this research from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopaedics, ACS Medical College and Hospital, Dr MGR Educational and Research Institute, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600077, India

    Madhan Jeyaraman & Naveen Jeyaraman

  2. Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeon, Southport and Ormskirk Hospitals, Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching NHS Trust, Southport, PR8 6PN, UK

    Karthikeyan P. Iyengar

  3. Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Sri Lalithambigai Medical College and Hospital, Dr MGR Educational and Research Institute, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600095, India

    Preethi Selvaraj

  4. Department of Orthopaedics, Government Medical College, Omandurar Government Estate, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600002, India

    Swaminathan Ramasubramanian

  5. Department of Orthopaedics, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences, Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi, 110001, India

    Vijay Kumar Jain

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Contributions

(i) Conceptualization—VKJ and MJ; (ii) Manuscript writing—MJ, NJ, PS, and SR; (iii) Manuscript revision—NJ, KPI, and VKJ; (iv) Data analysis—MJ and PS; and (v) Administration—MJ and VKJ. All authors accepted to publish the manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Madhan Jeyaraman.

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The study was conducted by ethical guidelines, ensuring the anonymity and confidentiality of the participants.

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Informed consent was obtained electronically before participants could access the questionnaire.

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Jeyaraman, M., Jeyaraman, N., Iyengar, K.P. et al. Assessment of Needlestick and Sharps Injuries (NSSIs) Amongst Orthopaedic Surgeons in Clinical Practice: A Pan-India Cross-Sectional Study. JOIO (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s43465-024-01178-4

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