Sources of Sharps Injury During Surgery

 

Common sources of sharps injury:

(1) scalpel blade

(2) needle (suture, vascular access, other)

 

General surgical factors:

(1) electrosurgical unit

(2) skin stapler

(3) capillary tube

(4) cannula

(5) trocar

(6) staple gun

(7) suture material

 

Orthopedic or trauma related:

(1) bone fragment

(2) bone cutter

(3) chisel

(4) broken off needle or shrapnel in victim

(5) orthopedic pin or wire

 

where:

• An addict may have broken off needles fragment in the subcutaneous tissue.

• Suture material can occasionally cause injuries when pulled taut, such as when a surgical knot is being tied.