Thermal Damage in Orthopaedics.

There are numerous potential sources of thermal damage encountered in orthopaedic surgery. An understanding of the preclinical mechanisms of thermal damage in tissues is necessary to minimize iatrogenic injuries and use these mechanisms therapeutically. Heat generation is a phenomenon that can be used to a surgeon's benefit, most commonly for hemostasis and local control of tumors.

Timing of C-arm drape contamination.

Background: Surgical site infection remains a concern in orthopedic surgery, and contamination of C-arm covers is a potentially modifiable risk factor.

Methods: A single-cohort study was conducted using 30 consecutive patients undergoing operative fracture fixation. Cultures were obtained from the C-arm cover after initial draping and every 20 min thereafter.