Orthopaedic surgical dressings

The choice of which surgical dressing to use is an important step in the postoperative care of orthopaedic patients. This decision is influenced in part by the patient's level of activity prior to surgery, medical history, wound classification, and cost. As orthopaedic wounds are inherently complex, often overlying bony prominences, it is imperative that orthopaedic providers are aware of the dressings available and how best to deploy them. Classified into three categories (passive, active, and interactive), orthopaedic surgical dressings can vary based upon their mechanism of action, absorptive capacity, and ability to provide wound protection. Through the activation or promotion of one of the four stages of wound healing, orthopaedic surgical dressings act to optimize postoperative wound care, leading to improved patient outcomes and a decrease in associated complications. The combined use of multiple dressings, with varying attributes, provides the ultimate method for obtaining the ideal orthopaedic surgical dressing. Choosing the appropriate dressing and subsequent care regimen can prevent unnecessary hospitalizations and additional costs associated with complex wound care. Future prospective trials aimed at evaluating specific dressings and their utility in orthopaedics is warranted.