Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026
04:37
A Periprosthetic Joint Candida albicans Infection Model in Mouse
Published on: February 2, 2024
Patterns of Bacterial Infections Following Orthopedic Surgeries: A Retrospective Analysis
Dana Avraham1, Alexander Kaban1, Amir Herman1
1Orthopedics, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot, ISR.
Cureus
|August 7, 2026
Summary
Surgical site infections (SSIs) in orthopedic surgery show varied pathogen patterns. Gram-negative bacteria are common in spine SSIs, suggesting a need for updated antibiotic prophylaxis to reduce infection rates.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
Background:
- Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a major complication in orthopedic procedures.
- Current antibiotic prophylaxis may not cover evolving pathogen patterns.
- Understanding pathogen distribution is crucial for effective prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize pathogen distribution in orthopedic SSIs.
- To assess the alignment of current prophylactic regimens with identified pathogens.
- To inform potential adjustments in antibiotic strategies.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective single-center study of 98 patients with SSIs involving implanted hardware.
- Inclusion of positive wound cultures from sterile debridement.
- Analysis of pathogen distribution across elective, semi-elective, and trauma orthopedic surgeries.
Main Results:
- Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) was the most common pathogen overall.
- Gram-negative organisms predominated in spine SSIs (69%).
- Trauma and femur fracture groups showed a prevalence of Gram-positive organisms.
Conclusions:
- Pathogen patterns in orthopedic SSIs vary significantly by surgical category.
- Gram-negative predominance in spine SSIs warrants investigation into targeted prophylactic strategies.
- Further research is needed to optimize antibiotic regimens for SSI reduction.
