What is Antibiotic Stewardship in Orthopaedics in 2025?

Area of Science:

• Orthopaedic Surgery
• Infectious Disease
• Public Health

Background:

• Antibiotic stewardship is a high priority for healthcare organizations and regulatory bodies.
• Orthopaedic surgeons play a vital role in optimizing antibiotic use.
• Ensuring compliance with antibiotic guidelines is essential for patient safety and effective treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the history of antibiotic stewardship.
• To define the role of antibiotic stewardship in orthopaedics, including total joint arthroplasty, trauma, and spine surgery.
• To provide an overview of evidence-based practices for orthopaedic practitioners.

Main Methods:

• Literature review on antibiotic stewardship history.
• Analysis of current practices in orthopaedic subspecialties.
• Synthesis of evidence-based recommendations for practitioners.

Main Results:

• The history of antibiotic stewardship demonstrates its evolving importance.
• Specific applications and challenges of stewardship exist within total joint arthroplasty, trauma, and spine surgery.
• Orthopaedic surgeons can implement evidence-based strategies to enhance stewardship.

Conclusions:

• Active engagement of orthopaedic surgeons in antibiotic stewardship programs is necessary.
• Optimizing antibiotic use leads to better patient outcomes and regulatory compliance.
• Implementing evidence-based practices ensures effective antibiotic stewardship in orthopaedics.