RESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: Osteoarticular infections represent a major complication in orthopaedic surgery. The aim is to identify the percentage of suction cannulas colonised and to determine the relationship between the time they are used in surgery and the colonisation of these cannulas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Descriptive and prospective study that analysed 546 suction cannulas used in clean orthopaedic surgery in a trauma centre, between November 2017 and March 2018. The distal end of the cannula was cultured to determine the colonisation rate. RESULTS: 7.3% of the cultured cannulas were positive for pathogens, the most frequent being Staphylococcus epidermidis at 27.5%. In addition, an association was found between colonisation and the length of time the cannula was used. The possibility of colonisation of cannulas used for between 60minutes or more, is greater than those used for less than 60minutes; between 60 and 90minutes the possibility is twice as high OR= 2.2 (CI:95% 1.1 - 4.1) and in cannulas used for more than 90minutes it is 8 times higher OR= 8.49 (CI:95% 1.77 - 40.86). CONCLUSIONS: The colonisation rate of cannulas is lower than reported in the literature. The longer the cannula is used in surgery increases the risk of their colonisation. Follow-up studies are being considered to determine whether suction cannula colonisation is associated with increased postoperative infection.