Sterilization of Contaminated Bone-Tendon Autografts Using 10% Povidone-Iodine Solution

ABSTRACT This study evaluates methods of sterilizing contaminated bone-tendon autografts using 10% povidone-iodine solution. Sterile grafts were prepared from human cadavers. Grafts were immersed in a suspension of either Staphylococcus aureus or Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and three sets of sterilization experiments were performed in 10% povidone-iodine for 30 minutes: one each with S aureus and P aeruginosa by static soaking and a third with S aureus by serial washing with agitation. Of grafts inoculated with S aureus, six of six grew the test organism after soaking at room temperature, as did five of six after soaking at 36°C and also eight of nine after washing with agitation. Of grafts inoculated with P aeruginosa, five of six grew the test strain after soaking at room temperature, as did six of six after soaking at 36°C. Thirty minutes of exposure to aqueous 10% povidone-iodine does not adequately sterilize an inoculated graft.