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Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
12:18

Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)

Published on: February 9, 2011

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA): colonisation and pre-operative screening

N Goyal1, A Miller, M Tripathi

  • 1Anderson Orthopaedic Clinic, 2445 Army Navy Drive, Arlington, Virginia 22206, USA. ngoyal1@gmail.com

The Bone & Joint Journal
|January 12, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Nasal Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) colonization increase surgical site infection (SSI) risk in orthopaedic surgery. Pre-operative screening and treatment of MRSA-positive patients may reduce SSI incidence and associated healthcare costs.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Orthopaedic Surgery
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Staphylococcus aureus is a primary cause of surgical site infections (SSI).
  • Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) is a growing concern due to unique resistance and virulence.
  • Nasal colonization by S. aureus or MRSA is a significant risk factor for SSI after orthopaedic surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the link between nasal S. aureus/MRSA colonization and SSI in orthopaedic patients.
  • To discuss the economic impact of MRSA-associated SSIs.
  • To evaluate the potential benefits of pre-operative screening and eradication protocols.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review on S. aureus/MRSA nasal colonization and SSI.
  • Analysis of risk factors and patient outcomes.
  • Examination of economic implications of SSIs.

Main Results:

  • Nasal S. aureus and MRSA colonization are independent risk factors for SSI incidence and severity.
  • MRSA-associated SSIs result in prolonged hospital stays and increased costs.
  • Screening and eradication show potential for SSI risk reduction.

Conclusions:

  • Pre-operative screening for MRSA is recommended for orthopaedic surgery patients.
  • Treatment of MRSA-colonized patients before surgery can mitigate SSI risks.
  • Addressing S. aureus and MRSA nasal carriage is crucial for improving surgical outcomes.

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