The effect of laminar air-flow on the results of Austin-Moore hemiarthroplasty.

INTRODUCTION A second cycle audit to evaluate the results after introduction of water impervious surgical gowns and drapes while performing Austin-Moore hemiarthroplasty as recommended by our previously published study. AIM To assess the difference in the re-operation rate following Austin-Moore hemiarthroplasty between procedures performed under laminar air-flow to those performed in conventional (non-laminar flow) theatres, after the introduction of water impervious gowns and drapes in 2000. MATERIALS AND METHODS A consecutive cohort of patients who had Austin-Moore hemiarthroplasties performed at our district general hospital between August 2000 and July 2004 were included in the study. The minimum follow-up period was 1 year. Of the total of 435 patients, 223 were operated in non-laminar air-flow theatres and 212 were operated in laminar air-flow theatres. Peri-operative antibiotics and water-impervious surgical gowns and drapes were used in all cases. RESULTS The overall re-operation rate for all indications was 1.4% (3/212) in the laminar air-flow theatre group and 5.8% (134/223) in the non-laminar air-flow theatre group. CONCLUSION The rate of re-operation for all indications in the non-laminar air-flow theatre group was four times greater than in the laminar air-flow group. We recommend that Austin-Moore hemiarthroplasty procedures should be performed in laminar air-flow equipped theatres.