Does the type of surgical attire influence surgical site infection rates in intramedullary nailing for proximal femoral fractures? A retrospective analysis.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to examine whether there is an incidence difference on surgical site infections between surgeons using different surgical attire during intramedullary fixation for proximal femoral fractures. METHODS: 1,431 patients were included and divided into two groups; surgeons wearing balaclava- or skull caps (490 vs 941). The occurrence of surgical site infection was retrospectively assessed and divided into superficial- and deep wound infections. RESULTS: The occurrence of superficial wound infections did not differ significantly between the two groups, with three patients in the balaclava and six in the skull cap group (0.6% vs 0.6%, p = 1.00). Similarly, there was no significant difference in the occurrence of deep wound infections between the groups, with one case in the balaclava and eight in the skull cap group (0.2% vs 0.9%, p = 0.18). CONCLUSION: This study found no statistically significant difference in the incidence of surgical site infections (including both superficial and deep wound infections) between balaclava caps and skull caps. These results suggest that the type of surgical attire does not have a significant impact on the occurrence of surgical site infections in intramedullary nailing for proximal femoral fractures. Therefore, factors such as cost, and sustainability should be considered when selecting surgical attire. In this context, the skull cap would be the preferred option.