The Utility of Chlorhexidine Cloth Use for the Prevention of Surgical Site Infections in Total Hip Arthroplasty and Surgical as well as Basic Science Applications: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review.

Abstract

Skin antisepsis, such as ready-to-use, no-rinse, 2% chlorhexidine-impregnated cloths, is one of the fundamental cornerstones for reducing periprosthetic infections after primary lower extremity total joint arthroplasties. This systematic review presents background material concerning the problem and methods to deal with and then describes the use of chlorhexidine cloth prophylaxis related to various surgical applications. The authors found an almost universal benefit of the cloths. In the meta-analysis, the total pooled effect showed a reduction in infection rates. The use of chlorhexidine cloths is appropriate for prophylaxis for knee arthroplasty, hip arthroplasty, and a variety of other surgeries.