Optimizing Perioperative Temperature Management: The Case for Warm Irrigation in Orthopedics

Background: Surgical procedures, particularly in orthopedics, carry the risk of intraoperative hypothermia, which is associated with increased complications such as infection, bleeding, and prolonged recovery. Maintaining normothermia using warmed irrigation solutions and intravenous fluids has demonstrated significant benefits, including reduced postoperative pain and infection rates and shorter hospital stays. This manuscript reviews the current evidence supporting the use of warm saline solutions to improve perioperative patient conditions. Methods: A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar. Results: Analysis of available studies suggests that warmed irrigation effectively reduces the incidence of hypothermia and may decrease surgical site infection rates and postoperative shivering in patients undergoing orthopedic surgery. Conclusion: Warm irrigation is a simple, cost-effective strategy for improving temperature management and enhancing patient outcomes during orthopedic surgery.