Decontamination of Gracilis and Semitendinosus Tendon Grafts: An Experimental Cadaver Study
M.S. Navarro, A. Kusabara, B.V.D.A. Mascarenhas, J.G.S.L. Roque, C.P. Damasio, R.D.C.P. CestariObjective:
To evaluate bacterial growth and the effectiveness of antisepsis of gracilis and semitendinosus tendon grafts after accidental contamination by contact with the operating room floor.
Methods:
Eighty-eight gracilis and semitendinosus tendon grafts were harvested from 22 fresh, non-formalin-fixed cadavers. The grafts were divided into four groups: Group I (control, no contamination), Group II (contamination by contact with the floor for 1 minute), Group III (contamination followed by antisepsis with 10% povidone-iodine), and Group IV (contamination followed by antisepsis with 0.5% chlorhexidine digluconate). All grafts were submitted to microbiological culture. Statistical analysis was performed using logistic regression, with odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals.
Results:
Group II showed significantly higher bacterial contamination compared with the control group (p = 0.007). No bacterial growth was observed in Groups III and IV, demonstrating the effectiveness of both antiseptic protocols (p = 0.998).
Conclusion:
Antisepsis of gracilis and semitendinosus tendon grafts with 10% povidone-iodine or 0.5% chlorhexidine digluconate after accidental contamination by contact with the operating room floor was effective according to the protocol used.