Nose swab could stop staph infections after broken leg surgery

NCT ID NCT05763602

Ongoing Prevention Sponsor: Loreen Herwaldt Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether putting povidone iodine ointment inside the nose before surgery can lower the risk of surgical site infections, especially from staph bacteria, in people having surgery for severe leg, ankle, or foot fractures. About 2000 adults will receive the nose treatment before their operation. The goal is to see if this simple step reduces deep infections and helps patients heal better.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: povidone iodine ointment applied inside the nose
What this could lead to: If it works, this simple, low-cost nose treatment could become a standard way to prevent serious infections after leg fracture surgery.
What could go wrong: This is a single trial with 2000 participants, and results may not apply to all surgeries or patients. The treatment might not reduce infections enough to be worthwhile.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Surgical Wound Infection

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

SURGICAL SITE INFECTION

Contacts and locations

Locations

Emory University

Atlanta, Georgia, 30303, United States
University of Indiana

Indianapolis, Indiana, 46202, United States
University of Iowa

Iowa City, Iowa, 52242, United States
University of Texas Southwestern

Dallas, Texas, 75235, United States
University of Utah

Salt Lake City, Utah, 84108, United States
Washington University

St Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States

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