Does revascularization prior to foot and ankle surgery reduce the incidence of surgical site infection (SSI)?

Authors: Nima Heidari, Alexander Charalambous, Iris Kwok, Alexandros Vris, Yueyang Li

RECOMMENDATION: Several studies support the effect of peripheral vascular disease (PVD) on wound healing and SSI. Despite this, there have been no specific studies proving the beneficial effect of revascularization on SSI prior to surgical intervention in the setting of traumatic or elective foot and ankle surgery. The majority of studies on revascularization are in the setting of diabetic foot infection or established ischemia. We recommend that in the presence of an inadequate vascularization in the foot and ankle, vascular optimization should be undertaken prior to elective surgery.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Limited

DELEGATE VOTE: Agree: 100%, Disagree: 0%, Abstain: 0% (Unanimous, Strongest Consensus)

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