Traffic Cameras—An Effective and Sustainable Method of Reducing Traffic and Airborne Particles During Arthroplasty Surgery

Background Traffic in the operating room (OR) create turbulence and contaminates air by bacterial shedding. Therefore, we examined: (1) if the number and duration of door openings were associated with increased particles during arthroplasty surgery; (2) if traffic cameras installed in the operating room were an effective intervention to decrease traffic and particles during arthroplasty surgery; and (3) the effectiveness of traffic camera over time. Methods Fifty cases were included between November 3, 2021, and June 22, 2022, with 25 cases in each group. Two particle counters were used to count particles sized 0.5 to 10 µm. One counter was positioned within the sterile field, and another between the OR doors. Two door counters were mounted to count door openings. For the intervention, traffic cameras were mounted facing each door and took snapshots with door openings. Results The number of door openings/minute was 30% less in the Intervention group (P < .001). The Intervention group had significantly lower particles by 26 to 43% in the operative field (0.5 μm, P = .01; 0.7 μm, P = .008; 1 μm, P = .007; 2.5 μm, P = .006; 5 μm, P = .01; and 10 μm, P = .01). The particles between the OR doors were decreased by 2 to 42% in the Intervention group and the difference was significant for (0.5 μm, P = 0.03; 0.7 μm, P = .02; and 1 μm, P = .03). The decrease in door openings and particles were sustained over the study period. Conclusion The use of traffic cameras was an effective and sustainable method to limit OR traffic and door openings, which resulted in a reduction in particles in the operating room.