Water-based lubricant as an adjunct to wound toilet: Validation of a technique by experiment

INTRODUCTION: Metal debris can produce a foreign body inflammatory reaction or as third body wear in the situation of joint arthroplasty. We evaluate a simple method for reducing this debris using a sterile water-based lubricating gel.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight experimental surgical models consisting of porcine muscle overlying a polyethylene tube with a titanium locking plate and screws secured were constructed. Four models had water based lubricating gel applied to the wound edges, four were left without as controls. Image were then captured before and after irrigation from which the amount of debris could be quantified.

RESULTS: The reduction of surface area covered by debris for models with water-based gel was greater (p=0.001). The average reduction in surface area was 27.2% for the control group and 94.1% for the models covered with lubricating gel.

CONCLUSION: We show that using a safe, inexpensive and easily available water-based lubricating gel reduces the amount of embedded debris when burring metal implants using a high-speed burr.