Intraoperative glove perforation. A comparative analysis.

A prospective study was conducted to determine the rate of puncture of the inner glove when various double-gloving protocols were used for elective total joint procedures. Group 1 consisted of 22 cases in which two pairs of regular latex gloves were used. Group 2 consisted of 25 cases in which outer "orthopaedic" gloves were used over regular latex gloves. Group 3 consisted of 24 cases in which Repel gloves were used between two regular latex gloves. The patients were randomly assigned to one of the three groups. All gloves, both inner and outer, were tested for holes at the end of the procedure. All gloves that were changed for presumed intraoperative holes were also tested. The type and duration of the procedure was also documented. Of the inner holes, there were significant differences between each group. Group 1 (double latex) and Group 2 (outer orthopaedic/inner regular) had significantly more holes than Group 3 (Repel between two regular gloves). There were no holes in Group 3, and Group 2 offered significant protection over Group 1.