Literature analysis on the use of antiseptic surgical irrigation solutions in orthopaedics and trauma surgery. The focus was on the risk-benefit ratio, the prophylactic use to prevent postoperative wound infections and the possible use in negative pressure wound therapy. No evidence of resistance development or systemic/local side effects could be found in the literature for the suitable wound irrigation solutions (PVP iodine, octenidine, polihexanide, sodium hypochlorite and acetic acid).