# Use of Ultraviolet C-Radiation Therapy in Trauma and Orthopaedics: A Current State of Evidence

## TL;DR

This review explores how UV-C radiation is used in orthopaedics to sterilize surfaces and reduce infections, showing promise in reducing microbial contamination and infection rates.

## Contribution

The study provides a comprehensive scoping review of UV-C applications in orthopaedics, highlighting its effectiveness and safety in reducing infections.

## Key findings

- UV-C significantly reduces microbial contamination on surfaces and equipment in orthopaedic theatres.
- Arthroplasty cases show significant infection reduction with UV-C use and no major skin issues.
- UV-C may reduce infection risk without antibiotics, potentially lowering antimicrobial resistance risks.

## Abstract

Ultraviolet-C (UV-C) radiation exhibits potent germicidal capabilities through DNA and RNA damage in microorganisms. Its utilisation in orthopaedics began primarily for theatre sterilisation. Current applications focus extensively on surface, air, and equipment sterilisation within orthopaedic theatres. The aim of this scoping review was to establish the current uses and practices of UV-C in orthopaedic surgery.

A comprehensive literature review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines, sourcing articles from PubMed/MEDLINE and Google Scholar from inception till January 2025. Studies included addressed UV-C applications in orthopaedic sterilisation and disinfection, financial analyses, and clinical infection outcomes. Data extracted included study parameters, methods, UV-C exposure specifics, microbial colony counts, and outcomes.

Out of 2574 articles identified initially, 23 studies met the inclusion criteria. Fifteen articles addressed UV-C sterilisation, highlighting substantial microbial reductions on theatre surfaces and equipment, although effectiveness varied by organism and exposure duration. Eight studies investigated UV-C’s impact on infection rates and skin health, showing significant infection reduction in arthroplasty cases without major adverse dermatological effects. Financial analysis was available from only one study, which indicated significant cost savings compared to traditional methods.

UV-C radiation appears effective in reducing microbial contamination in orthopaedic theatres, complementing traditional cleaning practices. It offers promising infection reduction in arthroplasty with manageable safety concerns. Indeed, use of UV-C may be an efficient way of reducing infection risk without the need for antibiotic use, and this can contribute to reduction in the risk of antimicrobial resistance. Future research should focus on refining protocols and exploring broader clinical and economic impacts.