[Air contamination levels in operating rooms during surgery of total hip and total knee arthroplasty, hemiarthroplasty and osteosynthesis in the surgical center of a Brazilian hospital].

Introduction: The air contamination levels during orthopedic surgeries were evaluated.

Methods: The air of operating rooms (ORs) was examined through exposure to microbiological plates placed near the surgical table for an hour.

Results: values above that recommended (369 CFU/m³) for conventional ORs and ORs with ultraclean air were determined. Contamination was predominantly by Staphylococcus sp (86.9%). In all surgeries a high number of people were present inside the ORs and the doors were opened frequently.

Conclusions: The contamination levels are above the values accepted by regulatory agencies, representing risk for patients.