Povidone-iodine versus chlorhexidine wound wash after total hip replacement

Comparison of Wound Healing Complications After Anterior Total Hip Arthroplasty Using Povidone-iodine or Chlorhexidine as Antiseptic Wash

Not applicable Interventional University of Pittsburgh · NCT07104084

We will test whether washing the surgical wound with povidone-iodine or chlorhexidine helps wounds heal better after total hip replacement in people with hip osteoarthritis or avascular necrosis of the femoral head.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment420 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Pittsburgh Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Monroeville, Pennsylvania and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT07104084 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Adults scheduled for primary total hip replacement for hip osteoarthritis or avascular necrosis will be randomly assigned to wound irrigation with either povidone-iodine or chlorhexidine at the time of wound closure. All other aspects of the operation and postoperative care will follow standard practice. Incision photographs will be taken at two and six weeks and reviewed using a standardized method, and electronic medical records will be checked for postoperative complications, readmissions, or additional surgeries. Patients with known allergy to either antiseptic are excluded.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults with hip osteoarthritis or femoral head avascular necrosis who have failed conservative management and are scheduled for a primary total hip replacement, and who do not have an allergy to povidone-iodine or chlorhexidine.

Not a fit: Patients who are allergic to chlorhexidine or povidone-iodine, who are not undergoing a primary total hip replacement, or who cannot have surgery at the study hospitals are unlikely to benefit from participation.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, one antiseptic wash could reduce wound-healing complications, infections, and the need for additional surgery after total hip replacement.

How similar studies have performed: Antiseptic wound irrigation has been studied in various surgical settings with mixed results, and there is no definitive consensus specifically for total hip replacement.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* osteoarthritis or avascular necrosis of the femoral head, failed conservative management, indicated for total hip replacement

Exclusion Criteria:

* reported or documented allergy to chlorhexidine or povidone-iodine

Where this trial is running

Monroeville, Pennsylvania and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Hip OsteoarthritisAvascular Necrosis of Femur Head
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.