HOW NOISY ARE TOTAL KNEE AND HIP REPLACEMENTS

IntroductionOrthopaedic theatres can be noisy.Noise exposure is known to be related to reduced cognition, reduced manual dexterity and increased rates of post-operative wound infection. Up to 50% of orthopaedic theatre staff have features of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) with higher levels in consultants compared to registrars. Exposure to noise levels of 90dB(A) at work for a career of 40 years, equates to a 51% risk of hearing loss.Materials & methodsA Casella CEL-242 meter was positioned in the corner of the theatre tent. Recordings were taken for 17 Total Knee Replacements (TKRs) and 11 Total Hip Replacements (THRs). This meter recorded the decibel level once per second (whereas EU Regulation requires equivalent continuous level measurement).ResultsNoise levels reached 105.6dB(A) using a hammer during a TKR and 97.9dB(A) with an oscillating saw. Decibel levels exceeded 90dB(A) in every operation within the sample. Percentages of readings at 80.0dB(A) or above, per case, were calculated to estimate...