2026 Journal CME: Does the CDC Surgical Wound Classification adequately predict postoperative infection in lower extremity fracture surgery

Accreditation Statement: The Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Credit Designation:  OTA designates this journal-based CME for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Learning Objectives

After completing this activity, learners will be able to:

1. Understand the current limitations in the CDC Surgical Wound Classification (SWC) system as relates to its application in the orthopaedic setting.
2. Identify injury characteristics insufficiently captured by the CDC SWC, that may be considered for inclusion in the development of future orthopaedic-specific Surgical Wound Classification systems. 

Faculty

• Authors: Ashley Levack, MD; Elizabeth Cho, MD

Read this on the OTA International Journal site

Original release date: 01/02/2026

Expiration date: 01/02/2027

Estimated time to complete activity: 1 hour

Statement of Need/Description/or Summary of Gap Analysis:

The CDC Surgical Wound Classification (SWC) is widely used across hospitals for surveillance and risk stratification of post-surgical infection; however, the application of the SWC has notable limitations when applied to orthopaedic trauma patients and may not adequately predict postoperative infection risk in lower extremity fractures. The lack of language relevant to orthopaedic fracture patients limits the application of the CDC SWC for this patient population.  Given these shortcomings, an orthopaedic-specific surgical wound classification may improve risk stratification. This activity aims to enhance provider knowledge by addressing these limitations and exploring more comprehensive approaches to predicting infection in orthopaedic trauma.

Instructional Format: This Orthopaedic Trauma Association International Journal CME activity consists of a journal article, a quiz, and an evaluation.

Method of Participation: There are no fees for members to participate in this activity. Non-members must pay $30. This online activity consists of an article, a self-assessment exam, and an evaluation. To receive AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ credit, participants must read the journal article, successfully complete the post-test quiz, and achieve a minimum score of 75% on the quiz. The quiz includes 4 multiple choice questions. Learners will be asked to read each question, select an answer, and review the section of the article where the answer is found. Learners will be able to review the content and repeat the quiz as many times as needed. Upon achieving a score of 75% or higher, learners will be asked to complete a post-activity evaluation. A certificate of credit or participation will be available upon successful submission of the post-activity evaluation.

Disclosures:

The Orthopaedic Trauma Association has implemented a policy to comply with the current Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education requiring mitigation of all conflicts of interest. Faculty declaring a relevant commercial interest must be identified in the activity syllabus and/or program.

In accordance with disclosure policies of OTA and the ACCME, every effort has been made to ensure all CME activities are balanced, independent, objective, and scientifically rigorous. These policies include complying with ACCME’s Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education and mitigating all relevant conflicts of interest for all individuals in control of content.  

All of the relevant financial relationships listed for these individuals have been mitigated

All disclosures are available on the "Disclosure" tab.

Disclaimer: The information in this educational activity is provided for general medical education purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the independent medical judgment of a physician relative to diagnostic and treatment options of a specific patient's medical condition. The viewpoints expressed in this CME activity are those of the authors/faculty. They do not represent an endorsement by the OTA.  In no event will the OTA be liable for any decision made or action taken in reliance upon the information provided through this CME activity.

Commercial Support: There is no commercial support for this activity