A Hospital Based Prospective Study to Design to Evaluate the Skin Complications in Orthopedic Procedures & Devices

Abstract

Background: Different complications are associated with orthopedic surgical procedures. Even though orthopedic surgeries are well-tolerated by subjects, literature quotes a high incidence of postoperative infections, mechanical problems, and allergic reactions after orthopedic surgeries. Hence; the present study was undertaken for evaluating the Skin Complications in Orthopedic Procedures & Devices. Materials &Methods: A total of 80 patients who were scheduled to undergo different orthopedic surgical procedures were enrolled. Complete demographic and clinical details of all the patients were recorded. Detailed data in relation to type of surgery performed was also recorded. Two months follow-up was done and presence of and type of skin complication were recorded. All the results were recorded and analyzed by SPSS software.Results: Overall incidence of skin complications was 15 percent (12 patients). Out of 17patients undergoing distal femoral nail fixation procedures, skin complication was present in 2 patients while it was present in 3 patients undergoing knee replacement surgery. Adverse skin reactions were seen in 2 patients each undergoing total hip arthroplasty and limb reconstruction surgery. Out of 12 cases of adverse skin reaction, 4 cases were seen in reaction to orthopedic implants while 3 cases were seen in relation to orthopedic casts.Conclusion: Adverse skin reactions are common findings in the patients undergoing orthopedic surgical procedures. Early identification and prompt treatment planning is necessary in such cases for decreasing the associated morbidity.