Sterility verification of innovative pressurized carbon dioxide lavage for bone surface preparation in cemented knee arthroplasty

Objective: To verify sterility of innovative pressurized carbon dioxide (CO₂) lavage for bone surface preparation in cemented knee arthroplasty. Material and Method: Twenty-five 500 L. air samples from the innovative pressurized CO₂ lavage were laboratory tested to verify the presence or absence of either bacteria or fungi in microbial air samplings taken in a biological safety cabinet.CO₂ gas was delivered though a pressure regulator, a sterile delivery tube, a hand piece, and a microbial air filter with a pressure level of 50 psi, according to the medical standard. Contamination samples for bacteria and fungi were taken by using Tryptic Soy Agar and Sabouraud Agar as the culture media and were then analyzed at 48 hours and 10 days, respectively. Results: Twenty-five samples of microbial culture showed no bacterial or fungal growth on either Tryptic Soy Agar or Sabouraud Agar. Conclusion: The sterility of the innovative pressurized carbon dioxide lavage was confirmed by laboratory test results and was approved for application for bone surface preparation in cemented total knee arthroplasty.