[Air contamination levels in operating rooms during surgery of total hip and total knee arthroplasty, hemiarthroplasty and osteosynthesis in the surgical center of a Brazilian hospital].

INTRODUCTION The air contamination levels during orthopedic surgeries were evaluated. METHODS The air of operating rooms (ORs) was examined through exposure to microbiological plates placed near the surgical table for an hour. RESULTS values above that recommended (369 CFU/m³) for conventional ORs and ORs with ultraclean air were determined. Contamination was predominantly by Staphylococcus sp (86.9%). In all surgeries a high number of people were present inside the ORs and the doors were opened frequently. CONCLUSIONS The contamination levels are above the values accepted by regulatory agencies, representing risk for patients.