FAI June 2026 Podcast: Surgical Helmet Systems Were Not Associated With Lower Operative Infection Rates After Total Ankle Arthroplasty: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Conflicting evidence exists regarding the ability of surgical helmet systems (SHSs) to reduce rates of infection after joint replacement. The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of SHS in total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) and their effect on postoperative infection rates. In conclusion, Although SHS may provide additional protection for the surgeon from being contaminated during the surgery, the use of surgical hoods was not associated with a protective effect against surgical site infection. Considering the disadvantages and added costs of SHS, the decision to wear hoods during TAA is therefore left to the individual surgeon's discretion and personal preference. Click here to read the article