Isolation policies in musculoskeletal infection care: time to move from tradition to evidence

Abstract

Abstract. A recent scoping review found no evidence supporting routine ward-level isolation or dedicated septic wards for non-multidrug-resistant organism musculoskeletal infections when standard precautions are applied, whereas targeted measures remain appropriate for multidrug-resistant organisms. An international survey revealed wide variation in attitudes and a persistent belief in supporting evidence, highlighting a gap between evidence and perception and supporting a differentiated, risk-based approach to isolation.