PLASTIC ADHESIVE DRAPES AND WOUND-INFECTION AFTER HIP FRACTURE SURGERY

One hundred and twenty patients with acute hip fractures treated opera tively were randomized into two groups. In the 'drape' group (n=65) th e operation site was covered with plastic adhesive drape after prepara tion. In the 'no drape' group (n=55) the operation site was left uncov ered. The two groups were otherwise matched. Swabs for culture were ta ken from skin adjacent to the wound before closure. The drape group ha d four positive wound swabs. There was only one positive wound swab fo r the no-drape group. There was no difference in the post-operative wo und infection rates.