Summary
In rats with open femur fractures, a single irrigation with hypochlorous acid or Carrel-Dakin (dilute hypochlorite) solution did not delay bone healing the way povidone-iodine did.
Key points
- 32 rats had a contaminated open femur fracture, then irrigation with saline, 0.5% povidone-iodine, hypochlorous acid or buffered Carrel-Dakin solution.
- Hypochlorous acid and Carrel-Dakin showed a similar or better healing profile than saline; povidone-iodine showed the delayed healing pattern.
- The authors say this is not proof of antimicrobial efficacy and not a clinical recommendation.
- An animal study with a single irrigation and no antibiotics.