What is the recommended volume and composition of irrigating fluid in the operating room for open fractures and post-traumatic wounds?

Authors: Brianna Fram, Paul Tornetta III, Roman Natoli

RECOMMENDATION: Irrigation in open fractures should be performed with normal saline and gravity fl ow irrigation. 3-9L is a reasonable volume to use. Bactericidal washes with agents like chlorhexidine or povidone-iodine have not been adequately studied in orthopaedic trauma patients, but basic science studies raise concern that they may damage tissues.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Moderate

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

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