Risk assessment for the development of surgical positioning injuries in teaching hospitals in Brazil

Background: Injuries resulting from surgical positioning are preventable, yet they remain prevalent, causing temporary or permanent harm, extending hospital stays, and increasing the risk of hospital-acquired infections. Identifying patients at risk for these injuries is critical. This study aimed to assess the risk of developing surgical positioning injuries in orthopedic surgeries within teaching hospitals. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between February and July 2023 in two teaching hospitals in Brazil. It involved a convenience sample of 147 patients who underwent orthopedic surgery. The study used the Risk Assessment Scale for the Development of Injuries Due to Surgical Positioning. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software, version 21, with the Chi-squared test applied to assess significance at the 0.05 level. Results: Most participants were male (51.70%), with a mean (±SD) age of 54.52±20.34 years. Of the total sample, 85% were at low risk of developing injuries. Women were three times more likely to be at high risk (OR=3.39, 95% CI=1.24 to 9.24). The presence of comorbidities increased the likelihood of high risk approximately sixfold (OR=5.56, 95% CI=2.06 to 15.57). Spinal anesthesia increased the likelihood of high risk fourfold (OR=4.08, 95% CI=1.14 to 14.53). Conclusion: Identifying risk factors allows for a more targeted approach to preventing surgical positioning injuries. Incorporating this knowledge into the development of institutional protocols is essential for improving patient safety and outcomes.