Pulsatile irrigation in orthopedics.

A brief history of the use of irrigation fluids in the management of traumatic and surgical wounds is presented. The development of irrigation fluid as a debridement technique and some of the problems in controlling the fluid dynamic parameters are described. Orthopedics requires varied applications of irrigation devices, and a machine has been developed which combines irrigation lavage or pulsatile debridement technique with the rapid suction removal of effluent. The applications, technique, and precautions in using a Rapid Suction Removal System are described.