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Early Versus Delayed Bathing for Orthopaedic Surgical Wounds

This study is looking at how the timing of bathing after surgery affects patients who have had surgery for broken bones (fractures) in their arms or legs. It compares two approaches: early bathing, where you would shower with body soap on the third day after surgery, and delayed bathing, where you would wait until after your wound exam and stitches are removed (10-20 days after surgery). The main goal is to see how satisfied patients are with their surgical treatment based on when they start bathing. We are also looking to see if there are differences in infection or inflammation around the wound. You might be able to join if you are over 18, not pregnant, and have had surgery for a simple fracture that doesn't need a splint. The current status of this study is unclear.

Study design
This is a randomized controlled trial, meaning participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. About 56 people are expected to join this study.
What's involved
You would be advised to either start showering early (day 3) or delay showering until after your wound check and stitch removal. You would have follow-up appointments with data collection at 2, 6, and 12 weeks after your surgery.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Participants will be followed for 12 weeks after surgery.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT06014411

Early Versus Delayed Bathing of Orthopaedic Surgical Wounds

Recruiting
NAAges 18+InterventionalSupportive care
Hospital for Special Surgery, New York
~56 participants
Updated 2026-03-30 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Time to bathing (delayed)Time to bathing (early)

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Patient satisfaction associated with early and delayed surgical site bathing
Measured over Weeks 2, 6 and 12 post surgery

Conditions

Surgical Wound
Post Operative Wound Infection

Explore related trials

Post Operative Wound InfectionSurgical wound

Where it's being run

1 sites across 1 states
New York1

Study leadership

  • William M Ricci, MD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Hospital for Special Surgery, New York

Who to contact

William M Ricci, MD
[email protected]
212-606-1026
Email the study team

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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Patients over 18 years of age
Patient who are not pregnant
Isolated acute fractures of the upper or lower extremities (humerus, radius, ulna, femur, tibia, or fibula)
Diagnosis of a fracture meeting indication for operative intervention
Any fracture not requiring a splint for post-operative management
Non-complicated wounds (non-traumatic wounds, closed injuries, fractures not requiring external fixation, and acute fracture surgery)

Exclusion

Fractures associated with presumed infection
Patients with multiple fractures
Fractures in patients with underlying associated immune compromise
Fractures in patients with underlying peripheral vascular disease
Use of VAC
Surgery performed through previous surgical wound
Patient homeless
Fractures in patients with underlying diabetes mellitus
Complicated wounds (traumatic wounds, need for post-op wound care, open injuries, need for external fixation)

What this trial measures

  • Patient satisfaction associated with early and delayed surgical site bathingWeeks 2, 6 and 12 post surgery

    The primary endpoint of the study will be a statistically significant difference in patient satisfaction as measured using a Likert Scale between the two groups. Scale will be on scale 0-10. A score of 10 will be "Very Satisfied" and a score of 0 will be "Very Dissatisfied."