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By implementing strict sterile techniques and infection control measures, orthopaedic
technologists contribute significantly to reducing post-surgical infections, improving patient
recovery, and maintaining high standards of orthopaedic care. Orthopaedic procedures often
involve implants, joint replacements, and open fractures, requiring stringent infection control
measures:
• Preoperative Skin Preparation:
o Use chlorhexidine or povidone-iodine antiseptics for skin decontamination.
• Antibiotic Prophylaxis:
o Administer preoperative antibiotics (e.g., cefazolin) within 60 minutes of incision.
• Environmental Controls:
o Maintain positive airflow and HEPA filtration in operating rooms.
o Minimize traffic in sterile areas to reduce contamination risk.
Biohazard Waste Management
1. Types of Biohazardous Waste
Orthopaedic practices generate various types of biohazardous waste, which must be properly
segregated, handled, and disposed of to prevent contamination.
• Sharps Waste: Needles, scalpel blades, and broken glass contaminated with blood.
• Infectious Waste: Bandages, gauze, and surgical dressings soaked in blood.
• Pathological Waste: Tissue specimens and amputated body parts.
• Chemical Waste: Disinfectants, sterilization agents, and laboratory reagents.
2. Safe Disposal Practices
• Sharps Containers: Rigid, puncture-proof, and properly labeled disposal bins for needles and
scalpels.
• Red Biohazard Bags: Used for contaminated materials such as blood-soaked gauze and
surgical drapes.
• Incineration or Autoclaving: Used for pathological and high-risk infectious waste disposal.
Strict adherence to biohazard protocols protects healthcare workers, prevents disease
transmission, and ensures regulatory compliance.
Handling Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens
1. Immediate Response to Exposure
Healthcare workers must take immediate action following occupational exposure to
bloodborne pathogens:
