INTRAOPERATIVE GLOVE PERFORATION - A COMPARATIVE-ANALYSIS

A prospective study was conducted to determine the rate of puncture of the inner glove when various double-gloving protocols were used for e lective total joint procedures. Group 1 consisted of 22 cases in which two pairs of regular latex gloves were used. Group 2 consisted of 25 cases in which outer ''orthopaedic'' gloves were used over regular lat ex gloves. Group 3 consisted of 24 cases in which Repel gloves were us ed between two regular latex gloves. The patients were randomly assign ed to one of the three groups. All gloves, both inner and outer, were tested for holes at the end of the procedure. All gloves that were cha nged for presumed intraoperative holes were also tested. The type and duration of the procedure was also documented. Of the inner holes, the re were significant differences between each group. Group 1 (double la tex) and Group 2 (outer orthopaedic/inner regular) had significantly m ore holes than Group 3 (Repel between two regular gloves). There were no holes in Group 3, and Group 2 offered significant protection over G roup 1.