Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 15, 2026
Combined In vivo Optical and µCT Imaging to Monitor Infection, Inflammation, and Bone Anatomy in an Orthopaedic Implant Infection in Mice
Published on: October 16, 2014
The incidence of post-operative wound infection in orthopaedic surgery
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Malaya, Kuala, Lumpur.
Abstract:
With the increase in the number of orthopaedic surgeons and the aggressive marketing by manufacturing companies, high technology orthopaedic surgery is being more frequently carried out in Malaysia. Post-operative sepsis complicating this type of surgery can have disastrous consequences. No data is available in this country on the incidence of post-operative infection in Orthopaedic Surgery. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of post-operative infection. A retrospective survey of 703 patients undergoing elective Orthopaedic Surgery in the year 1991 was carried out. We found an overall post-operative infection rate of 6.8% and a deep infection rate of 3.3%. This figure of 3.3% is higher than the internationally accepted figure of less than 2%. A need for ongoing surveillance and concerned effort to reduce the infection rate is stressed.
Insights
Post-operative infection rates in Malaysian orthopaedic surgery were studied. The deep infection rate of 3.3% exceeded international standards, highlighting a need for improved infection control measures.
Area of Science:
- Orthopaedic Surgery
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- High-technology orthopaedic surgery is increasing in Malaysia.
- Post-operative sepsis can have severe consequences.
- No data exists on post-operative infection incidence in Malaysian orthopaedic surgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of post-operative infection in elective orthopaedic surgery in Malaysia.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective survey of 703 patients was conducted.
- Data was collected for patients undergoing elective orthopaedic surgery in 1991.
Main Results:
- The overall post-operative infection rate was 6.8%.
- The deep infection rate was 3.3%.
- This deep infection rate exceeds the international benchmark of less than 2%.
Conclusions:
- A significant rate of deep post-operative infection was observed in Malaysian orthopaedic surgery.
- There is a need for ongoing surveillance and efforts to reduce infection rates.
- Findings emphasize the importance of infection control in high-technology orthopaedic procedures.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Factors 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...
01:26Healthcare Associated Infections I: Iatrogenic, Exogenic and Endogenic
HAIs significantly increase the cost of health care. Extended stays in healthcare institutions, increased disability, increased costs of medications, including specialized antibiotics, and prolonged recovery times add to the patient's expenses and the healthcare institution and funding bodies. Common...
01:22Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
01:23Peripheral Artery Disease V: Postoperative Nursing Management