Orthopaedic Operating Room Fire Risks

FDA Database and Literature Review

Abstract

• » Inadvertent activation of electrosurgical device was more likely to result in patient burns and harm.
• » There are significant knowledge gaps in the orthopaedic surgery community relating to fire prevention, fire safety, and fire management.
• » Arthroplasty was the most common procedure with reported fire events.
• » It is the responsibility of the orthopaedic surgeon to understand the risks of surgical fire in the operating room and implement actions to reduce those risks.