A preoperative decolonization protocol for staphylococcus aureus prevents orthopaedic infections

Area of Science:

• Orthopaedic surgery
• Infectious disease control
• Public health

Background:

• Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a significant risk factor for orthopaedic surgical site infections (SSIs).
• Effective strategies are needed to mitigate S. aureus related SSIs in elective orthopaedic procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a preoperative decolonization protocol in reducing S. aureus SSIs among patients undergoing elective total joint arthroplasty (TJA).

Main Methods:

• A prospective observational study was conducted with intervention and concurrent control groups.
• Patients in the intervention group were screened for S. aureus nasal carriage and decolonized with mupirocin and chlorhexidine if positive.
• Data on SSIs were collected and compared between groups over a 1-year follow-up period.

Main Results:

• None of the 164 S. aureus carriers who completed the decolonization protocol developed postoperative S. aureus SSIs.
• The infection rate in the concurrent control group was significantly higher.
• The overall infection rate for participating surgeons decreased post-intervention, indicating a potential economic benefit.

Conclusions:

• Preoperative decolonization protocol significantly reduces S. aureus SSIs in TJA patients.
• The protocol is well-tolerated and demonstrates a positive impact on patient safety.
• Implementation of this protocol may lead to substantial cost savings for healthcare institutions.