Incidence and Causative Organisms of Post-Orthopaedic Surgical Site Infections at Federal Medical Centre, Birnin Kudu, Jigawa State

Surgical site infections following orthopaedic procedures are a significant cause of morbidity, implant failure, and prolonged hospitalisation in Nigerian teaching and federal medical centres. This prospective observational study examines the incidence and microbiological profile of post-orthopaedic surgical site infections at the Federal Medical Centre, Birnin Kudu, Jigawa State, North West Nigeria. All patients undergoing orthopaedic surgical procedures over a six-month period will be enrolled and followed for 30 days post-operatively. Wound swabs from suspected infection sites will be cultured to identify causative organisms and their antibiotic sensitivity profiles. Surgical site infection rates will be calculated per procedure type, and risk factors including diabetes mellitus, wound classification, operative duration, and perioperative antibiotic compliance will be analysed using logistic regression. The study expects gram-negative organisms, particularly Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella species, to be prevalent in this setting. Findings will be presented to the hospital's infection control committee and the orthopaedic department to guide empirical antibiotic prescribing and surgical site infection prevention bundles. This research provides rare microbiological data from a resource-limited orthopaedic facility in Jigawa State and contributes to antimicrobial stewardship evidence for the North West geopolitical zone. Keywords: surgical site infections, microbiological profile, orthopaedic surgery, antibiotic sensitivity, Jigawa State.