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 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
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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. |
