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 .
A placebo-controlled trial of the effect of two preoperative baths or showers with chlorhexidine detergent on postoperative wound infection rates.
The effect of preoperative whole-body washing with chlorhexidine detergent on the incidence of  postoperative wound infection  was assessed in a  placebo-controlled trial of 1989 patients . Patients bathed or showered with chlorhexidine , placebo , or conventional bar soap , on two occasions in the 24 h before operation . The overall infection rate for patients treated with chlorhexidine was 9 % , against 12.8 % in the bar soap and 11.7 % in the placebo groups ; in the ' clean ' surgery group infections were 7.2 % against 10.2 % and 10 % , respectively . The Staphylococcus aureus infection rate in the ' clean ' group was 3 % for chlorhexidine against 6 % for bar soap
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 .