Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 5, 2026

Novel Diagnostics in Revision Arthroplasty: Implant Sonication and Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction
Published on: December 3, 2017
Quality of life after infection in total joint replacement
J L Cahill1, B Shadbolt, J M Scarvell
1Trauma and Orthopaedic Research Unit, The Canberra Hospital, Canberra, Australia. jenny.cahill@act.gov.au
Purpose:
To compare the health-related quality of life and functional outcomes of patients with and without periprosthetic infection after total joint replacement (TJR).
Methods:
62 uncomplicated TJRs and 34 TJRs complicated with deep infection were compared using a visual analogue scale for satisfaction, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, Assessment of Quality of Life, and Short Form-36.
Results:
Patients with complicated TJR had significantly poorer satisfaction in outcome (p<0.0001) and disease-specific functional outcomes (p<0.0001). Six of the 8 health-related quality-of-life scores were also significantly poorer (p<0.05). These results persisted after controlling for age, sex, and follow-up period in a multiple regression analysis.
Conclusion:
Infection following TJR reduces patient satisfaction and seriously impairs functional health status and health-related quality of life. When hospitals are balancing the costs of preventative measures with the costs of treating infection in TJR, the effect on patients' quality of life must be considered. Our findings argue strongly for allocation of health care resources to minimise the occurrence of infection after TJR.
Related Concept Videos
Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
Endocarditis IV: Nursing Management
Endocarditis III: Medical Management
Peripheral Artery Disease V: Postoperative Nursing Management
Stages of Infection
