Decreasing the Incidence of Surgical Site Infections Following Joint Replacement Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Despite the generalized use of prophylactic antibiotics in orthopaedic surgery, Surgical Site Infections (SSIs) are still a major source of morbidity, mortality, and hospital cost. This is due in part to the increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistant organisms.

METHODS: A review of local epidemiology, the importance of an antibiotic stewardship program, patient optimization, and risk stratification options to reduce SSIs.

RESULTS: The proportion of revisions due to infection is projected to rise rapidly over the next 25 years. The economic burden of infections is expected to exceed 50% of the inpatient resources available for revision arthroplasties in 2016 total hip arthroplasty (THA) and 2030 total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

CONCLUSION: Appropriate evidence-based epidemiological strategies must be implemented to reduce SSIs.