Surgical site infection associated with equine orthopedic internal fixation: 155 cases (2008-2016).

The research paper details a study concerning equine orthopedic internal fixation, looking specifically at the prevalence of surgical site infection (SSI) and associated risk factors. The study spanned from 2008 to 2016 and found that the prevalence of SSIs in this context is lower than previously reported, but horses with certain medical conditions were at increased risk of developing SSIs.

Study Details

• The research was a retrospective study that included 155 horses that underwent orthopedic internal fixation surgeries at a single hospital between the years 2008 and 2016.
• Data collected included the horse’s diagnosis, the method of surgical repair, the operating surgeon, surgical time, the use of antimicrobial substances, onset of SSI, bacterial identification, and additional treatments.
• Various perioperative variables were analyzed to identify potential risk factors connected to surgical outcomes.

Key Findings

• Out of the 155 horses, 22 (14.2%) developed an SSI, a rate lower than what previous research has shown.
• Horses with fetlock arthrodesis (fusion of the fetlock joint) or ulnar fractures were more likely to develop an SSI.
• The administration of local prophylactic antimicrobial therapy was associated with an increased risk of SSIs.
• Horses that developed an SSI were 12 times less likely to survive to discharge than horses that didn’t develop an SSI.
• In terms of survival, horses with fetlock or carpal arthrodesis or fractures in the radial/humeral/femoral bones were at higher risk.
• No associations were found between open fractures, open reduction, internal fixation, surgical times, and SSI.

Conclusions

• The researchers concluded that the prevalence of SSIs in such cases was lower than previously reported, but equine patients with fetlock or carpal arthrodesis and radial/humeral/femoral fractures were at increased risk of SSI and/or nonsurvival.
• The study could not establish a protective role of local antimicrobial therapy for SSI, implying that further investigation is required for this particular treatment.
• The authors suggest that these findings should influence surgical techniques, postoperative management strategies, and promote early interventions when SSI is suspected in equine patients undergoing orthopedic internal fixation.