Foot & ankle international
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Preoperative footbaths reduce bacterial colonization of the foot.
Previous studies have demonstrated higher infection rates following elective procedures on the foot and ankle compared with procedures involving other areas of the body. Previous studies also have documented the difficulty of eliminating bacteria from the forefoot prior to surgery. The purpose of the present study was to ascertain if preoperative chlorhexidine bathing decreased the number of bacteria on the forefoot. ⋯ These data indicate that chlorhexidine provides better reduction in skin flora than placebo. Based of these data, we recommend the use of a chlorhexidine footbath in addition to standard surgical preparatory agent before foot and ankle surgery.