Comparing early and delayed bathing for orthopedic surgical wounds
Early Versus Delayed Bathing of Orthopaedic Surgical Wounds: a Prospective Randomized Controlled Study
This study tests whether letting patients bathe early or waiting longer after orthopedic surgery for fractures affects their satisfaction and the risk of infections.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 56 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Hospital for Special Surgery, New York Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (New York, New York) |
| Trial ID | NCT06014411 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial evaluates the effects of early versus delayed bathing on orthopedic surgical wounds in patients undergoing surgery for fractures. Participants will be randomly assigned to either begin early normal bathing with uncovered wounds or follow the traditional approach of delayed bathing with covered wounds. The study aims to assess patient satisfaction and monitor for any post-operative infections or inflammation. Follow-up assessments will occur at two, six, and twelve weeks post-surgery to gather data on these outcomes.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 years old with isolated acute fractures of the upper or lower extremities requiring surgical intervention.
Not a fit: Patients with multiple fractures, underlying health conditions like diabetes or immune compromise, or those with complicated wounds may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve patient satisfaction and reduce the risk of post-operative infections for those undergoing orthopedic surgery.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of this study may be novel, similar studies have shown that patient satisfaction can be influenced by post-operative care practices.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients over 18 years of age * Patient who are not pregnant * Isolated acute fractures of the upper or lower extremities (humerus, radius, ulna, femur, tibia, or fibula) * Diagnosis of a fracture meeting indication for operative intervention * Any fracture not requiring a splint for post-operative management * Non-complicated wounds (non-traumatic wounds, closed injuries, fractures not requiring external fixation, and acute fracture surgery) Exclusion Criteria: * Fractures associated with presumed infection * Patients with multiple fractures * Fractures in patients with underlying associated immune compromise * Fractures in patients with underlying peripheral vascular disease * Use of VAC * Surgery performed through previous surgical wound * Patient homeless * Fractures in patients with underlying diabetes mellitus * Complicated wounds (traumatic wounds, need for post-op wound care, open injuries, need for external fixation)
Where this trial is running
New York, New York
- NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center — New York, New York, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: William M Ricci, MD — Hospital for Special Surgery, New York
- Study coordinator: William M Ricci, MD
- Email: ricciw@hss.edu
- Phone: 212-606-1026
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.