Efficacy and Patient Satisfaction With AQUACEL® Ag Surgical Dressing Compared to Standard Surgical Dressing

Efficacy and Patient Satisfaction With AQUACEL® Ag Surgical Dressing Compared to Standard Surgical Dressing. A Prospective, Randomized Study in Primary Total Joint Arthroplasty.

The objective of this study is to determine the safety and effectiveness of the AQUACEL® Ag Surgical Dressing (treatment group) as compared to prepackaged island wound dressings consisting of traditional tape and gauze (control group) for total hip and total knee arthroplasty.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients presenting for primary total hip performed through a posterior or posterior-lateral surgical approach or primary total knee arthroplasty
2. Patients between the ages of 18 and 90
3. The subject is willing and able to understand, sign and date the study specific patient Informed Consent, to volunteer participation in the study
4. The subject is having surgery at a Carolinas HealthCare System facility
5. The subject is psychosocially, mentally and physically able to comply with the requirements of the study

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients presenting for revision total hip or total knee arthroplasty
2. Patients with topical hypersensitivity or allergy to any disposable components of the dressing system such as: ionic silver, polyurethane film
3. Any systemic or local active dermatological disease that might interfere with the evaluation of the surgical site such as eczema, psoriasis, skin cancer, scleroderma, chronic urticaria
4. Patients currently participating in another clinical trial that may affect your participation in this trial
5. Patients with insurance coverage not included in Gentiva list of payers
6. Patients residing outside of Gentiva's geographical coverage area
7. Patients having surgery at a NON-Carolinas HealthCare System facility