Orthopaedic surgeons and other Operating Room personnel are faced with the danger of exposure to blood borne disease transmission on a daily basis. The orthopaedic surgeon should choose the appropriate personnel protective equipment for all surgical procedures.

Printed in the November/December 1999 #47 edition of the COA Bulletin. Pg. 14-15

Position Paper

The COA Board has approved the position paper on:

"The Use of Personal Protective Equipment in the Operating Room"

Orthopaedic surgeons and other Operating Room personnel are faced with the danger of exposure to blood borne disease transmission on a daily basis. This situation is especially increased when dealing with patients involved in trauma and arthroplasty procedures. The risk of exposure to the immunodeficiency virus (IIIV) and the more serious exposure to hepatitis B (HBV) or hepatitis C (HBC) viral infection during a surgical procedure is a significant concern and is documented in the literature.

The orthopaedic surgeon should choose the appropriate personnel protective equipment for all surgical procedures.

These would include:

Fluid-resistant gowns
Water-proof sleeves
Fluid-resistant boots
Double Gloving
Puncture resistant glove lines
Stainless steel mesh gloves
Protective eyewear
Surgical masks
Helmet and hood protection (spacesuits)

Using the proper equipment for a specific high risk case will effectively protect the patient and the surgeon.