Use of Ultraviolet C-Radiation Therapy in Trauma and Orthopaedics: A Current State of Evidence

Ultraviolet-C (UV-C) radiation exhibits potent germicidal capabilities through DNA and RNA damage in microorganisms. Its utilisation in orthopaedics began primarily for theatre sterilisation. Current applications focus extensively on surface, air, and equipment sterilisation within orthopaedic theatres. The aim of this scoping review was to establish the current uses and practices of UV-C in orthopaedic surgery. A comprehensive literature review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines, sourcing articles from PubMed/MEDLINE and Google Scholar from inception till January 2025. Studies included addressed UV-C applications in orthopaedic sterilisation and disinfection, financial analyses, and clinical infection outcomes. Data extracted included study parameters, methods, UV-C exposure specifics, microbial colony counts, and outcomes. Out of 2574 articles identified initially, 23 studies met the inclusion criteria. Fifteen articles addressed UV-C sterilisation, highlighting substantial microbial reductions on theatre surfaces and equipment, although effectiveness varied by organism and exposure duration. Eight studies investigated UV-C's impact on infection rates and skin health, showing significant infection reduction in arthroplasty cases without major adverse dermatological effects. Financial analysis was available from only one study, which indicated significant cost savings compared to traditional methods. UV-C radiation appears effective in reducing microbial contamination in orthopaedic theatres, complementing traditional cleaning practices. It offers promising infection reduction in arthroplasty with manageable safety concerns. Indeed, use of UV-C may be an efficient way of reducing infection risk without the need for antibiotic use, and this can contribute to reduction in the risk of antimicrobial resistance. Future research should focus on refining protocols and exploring broader clinical and economic impacts.