Randomized controlled trial compares surgical site infection rates in 304 patients using clipper or surgical blade for hair removal, suggesting clipper may lower infection risk.
Key Points
Surgical site infection rates were significantly lower with clipper use at 5.9%, compared to 15.1% with surgical blade.
The difference in infection rates between methods was statistically significant (p=0.009).
This randomized controlled trial enrolled 304 adult patients undergoing internal fixation for closed lower limb fractures.
Using a clipper for hair removal may enable a reduction in surgical site infection risk, necessitating further investigation.