Dropped orthopedic implants aren’t sterile after cleaning, study shows
A randomized study found that polyethylene liners from hip/knee implants dropped on an operating-room floor become contaminated; disinfection with chlorhexidine–alcohol or povidone–iodine significantly reduces bacteria but does not guarantee sterility, while ethanol is ineffective. The findings support replacing a dropped implant when possible; if replacement isn’t available, immersion in sterile chlorhexidine or povidone–iodine is preferable to ethanol or no intervention, with patient notification and infection monitoring.
