Bacteriology swab in primary total hip arthroplasty-- does it have a role?

Infection in joint replacement is a devastating complication, and in spite of the advances in surgery, it remains a challenge. The rate of deep infection following primary hip/knee arthroplasty is between 1% and 2%. The aim of this study was to determine whether obtaining bacteriology swabs at the time of surgery could help in further reducing the rate of infection following joint arthroplasty. A bacteriology swab of the synovial fluid was taken after opening the capsule of the hip joint and was sent for culture and sensitivity. Out of 142 swabs sent, four (2.1%) were found to be positive. Three of these patients were treated with antibiotics after obtaining sensitivities. None of the patients developed deep infection. Bacteriology swab in primary joint arthroplasty may have a role and may help in further reducing the incidence of deep infection in joint replacement surgery.