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The Gliding Surgical Drapes Near the Periarticular Region: A Potential Source of Surgical Contamination

Surgical Technique | Volume 12 | Issue 1 | January-April 2026 | Page: 19-21 | Md Zafar Iqbal, Anil Agarwal, Sunny Bhalla DOI- https://doi.org/10.13107/ijpo.2026.v12.i01.262 Open Access License: CC BY-NC 4.0 Copyright Statement: Copyright © 2026; The Author(s). Submitted: 23/09/2025; Reviewed: 19/10/2025; Accepted: 14/01/2026; Published: 10/02/2026 Authors: Md Zafar Iqbal MS Ortho [1], Anil Agarwal MS […]

Small Shoulders, Big Burden: Scapular Osteomyelitis in an Infant

Case Report | Volume 12 | Issue 1 | January-April 2026 | Page: 16-18 | Dyan D’ Souza, Karthik Shyam, Binu T Kurian, Shubha A M DOI- https://doi.org/10.13107/ijpo.2026.v12.i01.260 Open Access License: CC BY-NC 4.0 Copyright Statement: Copyright © 2026; The Author(s). Submitted: 31/10/2025; Reviewed: 24/11/2025; Accepted: 11/01/2026; Published: 10/02/2026 Authors: Dyan D’ Souza MS, MCh […]

The Gliding Surgical Drapes Near the Periarticular Region: A Potential Source of Surgical Contamination

Small Shoulders, Big Burden: Scapular Osteomyelitis in an Infant

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The Gliding Surgical Drapes Near the Periarticular Region: A Potential Source of Surgical Contamination

DOI- https://doi.org/10.13107/ijpo.2026.v12.i01.262

Open Access License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Submitted: 23/09/2025; Reviewed: 19/10/2025; Accepted: 14/01/2026; Published: 10/02/2026

Authors: Md Zafar Iqbal MS Ortho [1], Anil Agarwal MS Ortho [1], Sunny Bhalla MS Ortho [1]

[1] Department of Paediatric Orthopaedics, Chacha Nehru Bal Chikitsalaya, Geeta Colony, New Delhi, India

Address of Correspondence

Dr. Md Zafar Iqbal,
Senior Resident, Department of Paediatric Orthopaedics, Chacha Nehru Bal Chikitsalaya, Geeta Colony, New Delhi, India
E-mail: docmdzafariqbal@gmail.com

Abstract

In surgeries involving joints and the adjacent area, maintaining a sterile field is essential for preventing postoperative infections. The responsibilities are heightened when the joint is required to be exposed. An often-overlooked source of contamination is the gliding motion of the drapes from manipulation of the limb during surgery. We found the movement akin to the tendon glide in contaminated animal bites, where movement draws pathogens deep into the joint, increasing the infection risk. This article presents a practical tip: recognizing this gliding drape as a surgical contaminant and suggesting methods to prevent it.
Keywords: Surgical drapes, Human/animal bite, Contamination, Sterility

References

1. Noordin S, McEwen JA, Kragh CJ Jr, Eisen A, Masri BA. Surgical tourniquets in orthopaedics. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2009;91:2958-67.
2. Armstrong M, Spencer R. Tourniquet use in orthopaedic surgery. J Perioper Pract. 2011;21:319-22.
3. Tintle SM, Forsberg JA, Keeling JJ, Shawen SB. Infectious complications of animal bites involving the upper extremity. J Hand Surg Am. 2010;35:476-9.
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How to Cite this Article: Iqbal MZ, Agarwal A, Bhalla S. The Gliding Surgical Drapes Near the Periarticular Region: A Potential Source of Surgical Contamination. International Journal of Paediatric Orthopaedics. January-April 2026; 12(1): 19-21.

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Small Shoulders, Big Burden: Scapular Osteomyelitis in an Infant

DOI- https://doi.org/10.13107/ijpo.2026.v12.i01.260

Open Access License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Submitted: 31/10/2025; Reviewed: 24/11/2025; Accepted: 11/01/2026; Published: 10/02/2026

Authors: Dyan D’ Souza MS, MCh (Paed Surgery) [1], Karthik Shyam MD Rad [2], Binu T Kurian MS Ortho [3], Shubha A M MS, MCh (Paed Surgery) [1]

[1] Department of Paediatric Surgery, St Johns National Academy of Health Sciences Bangalore, Karnataka, India
[2] Department of Radiodiagnosis, St Johns National Academy of Health Sciences Bangalore, Karnataka, India
[3] Department of Orthopaedics, St Johns National Academy of Health Sciences Bangalore, Karnataka, India

Address of Correspondence

Dr. Shubha A M,
Department of Pediatric Surggery, St Johns National Academy of Health Sciences Bangalore, Karnataka, India
E-mail: dramshubha@yahoo.co.in

Abstract

Background: A mass in relation to the scapula is rare in infancy, causing a diagnostic dilemma. We report a case in an infant presenting with scapular osteomyelitis and highlight the management of this condition.
Case report: A 2-month-old male child presented with an atraumatic swelling in the right scapular region with decreased movements of the upper arm for 15 days with no response to antibiotics. A diffuse firm to hard swelling in the right scapular region, with increased temperature and tenderness restricting both passive and active movements at the shoulder joint was noted on examination. Though total counts and C- reactive protein were raised, the blood culture was sterile. Plain X-ray and MRI revealed osteomyelitis of the right scapula. Biopsy further confirmed the diagnosis. Good response was noted to treatment with antibiotics and physiotherapy
Conclusion: A scapular mass without shoulder arthritis, longer duration of symptoms, negative cultures and the absence of sepsis are notable features in this case. Emphasis is on prompt diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics and appropriate physiotherapy to prevent long term complications.
Keywords: Infant, Scapula, Osteomyelitis, Antibiotics, Case report

References

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14. Pratik Phansopkar, Priya tikhile, Radhika Sawal, et al. Early physiotherapy rehabilitation approach enhances recovery in rare acute tibial osteomyelitis post-operative in a 9year old child. Medical Science, 2020, 24(104), 2482-2486.

How to Cite this Article: D’ Souza D, Shyam K, Kurian BT, Shubha AM. Small Shoulders, Big Burden: Scapular Osteomyelitis in an Infant. International Journal of Paediatric Orthopaedics. January-April 2026; 12(1): 16-18.

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