Decreasing the Incidence of Surgical Site Infections Following Joint Replacement Surgery

Despite the generalized use of prophylactic antibiotics in orthopaedic surgery, Surgical Site Infections (SSIs) are still a major source of morbidity, mortality, and hospital cost. This is due in part to the increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistant organisms.

A review of local epidemiology, the importance of an antibiotic stewardship program, patient optimization, and risk stratification options to reduce SSIs.

The proportion of revisions due to infection is projected to rise rapidly over the next 25 years. The economic burden of infections is expected to exceed 50% of the inpatient resources available for revision arthroplasties in 2016 total hip arthroplasty (THA) and 2030 total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Appropriate evidence-based epidemiological strategies must be implemented to reduce SSIs.