Newer infection prevention techniques , such as preoperative antiseptic scrubbing , are affected and may help reduce the infection rate , while traditionally accepted methods of prophylaxis such as laminar-flow operating rooms and body exhaust suits may raise the infection rate
Despite advances in our underst and ing of surgical site infections following total joint arthroplasty , this serious surgical complication continues to represent a substantial economic burden for the patient , the treating institution and the healthcare system .
After increasing for the past decade , infection rates have stabilized at 1.6 % ; however , the total cost is projected to increase with the total number of revision procedures performed .
Factors affecting the incidence of postoperative wound infection.
A prospect i ve study of postoperative wounds was carried out in West Dorset to determine the incidence of infection , describe the time distribution of presentation before and after discharge from hospital and identify possible contributory factors . There were 702 consecutive patients admitted to the study ( 600 in- patients and 102 day cases ) . Fifty one became infected ( 47 in- patients and 4 day cases ) , corresponding to an overall infection rate of 7.3 % . Over 50 % of infections presented during the first week after operation , and almost 90 % were diagnosed within 2 weeks of surgery Twenty-eight ( 55 % ) wounds that became infected presented after hospital discharge . Of 23 specific aetiological variables studied , four ( age , preoperative stay , shaving and the surgeon ) were shown to have a statistically significant association with the development of wound infection . A strong association between the individual surgeon and the development of a wound infection was demonstrated and this supports the need for routine surgical audit
Newer infection prevention techniques , such as preoperative antiseptic scrubbing , are affected and may help reduce the infection rate , while traditionally accepted methods of prophylaxis such as laminar-flow operating rooms and body exhaust suits may raise the infection rate
Despite advances in our underst and ing of surgical site infections following total joint arthroplasty , this serious surgical complication continues to represent a substantial economic burden for the patient , the treating institution and the healthcare system .
After increasing for the past decade , infection rates have stabilized at 1.6 % ; however , the total cost is projected to increase with the total number of revision procedures performed .