Time-Dependent Evaluation of Surgical Site Infections in Orthopedic Operations: A Prospective Study

Authors : Nahit Saylak, Nurdan Karacan Sever, Elif Evrim Yilmaz
Pages : 157-162
Doi:10.31196/huvfd.1783378
View : 86 | Download : 148
Publication Date : 2025-12-24
Article Type : Research Paper
Abstract :Surgical site infections (SSIs) remain a major concern in veterinary orthopedics, increasing morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Prolonged operative time is recognized as a significant risk factor for intraoperative contamination. This prospective study aimed to evaluate the time-dependent pattern of bacterial contamination during feline long bone osteosynthesis and to determine its association with operative duration. Ninety-two cats undergoing osteosynthesis for humeral, radial-ulnar, femoral, or tibial fractures were included. Standardized anesthetic and aseptic protocols were applied in all cases. Sterile swab samples were collected from the surgical site at 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, and 90 minutes after exposure of the fracture site. Samples were cultured on tryptic soy agar and MacConkey agar, and colony-forming units were counted. No bacterial growth was detected at 0–30 minutes. Culture positivity rates were 2.2% at 45 minutes, 16.3% at 60 minutes, 35.3% at 75 minutes, and 66.7% at 90 minutes. Fisher’s Exact and Cochran-Armitage trend tests confirmed a statistically significant increase in contamination rates after 45 minutes (p < 0.05). Notably, cases with severe soft tissue trauma and subcutaneous hematoma, even without skin disruption, exhibited higher contamination rates and developed postoperative SSIs more frequently. These results highlight operative time as a critical factor influencing intraoperative contamination in feline orthopedics and emphasize the importance of minimizing unnecessary surgical delays, maintaining strict aseptic discipline, and considering prophylactic strategies for prolonged surgeries.
Keywords : Bacteriology, Feline osteosynthesis, Intraoperative contamination, Operative time, Surgical site infection

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