Prevention of Periprosthetic Joint Infections of the Hip and Knee
Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a rare but devastating complication of arthroplasty. Research has been dedicated to minimizing the incidence of PJI, leading to the development of a comprehensive perioperative approach. Multiple preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative factors can increase patient risk. From medical management and skin sterilization to wound sterility and blood management, multiple issues must be considered in a well-rounded prevention protocol. In this literature review, we consolidate the current information that orthopedic surgeons can use to minimize PJI after total knee arthroplasty and total hip arthroplasty.
Three factors commonly mentioned in PJI prevention show little supporting evidence. Drains, which are often used, may create a passage for postoperative infection and are associated with increased transfusion needs.123,124 Adding antibiotics to irrigation solution125 and routinely changing scalpel blades126-129 also have little supporting evidence. In 2014, the utility of changing scalpel blades after incision was studied by Lee and colleagues,130 who reported persistence of Propionibacterium acnes in the dermal layer after skin preparation. Their study, however, was isolated to the upper back region, not the hip or knee.
Postoperative Risk Prevention
Most arthroplasty patients receive anticoagulation after surgery, but it must be used with caution. Large hematomas can predispose to wound complications. Parvizi and colleagues131 associated wound drainage, hematoma, and subsequent PJI with an INR above 1.5 in the early postoperative period. Therefore, balanced anticoagulation is crucial. Postoperative glucose control is also essential, particularly for patients with diabetes. Although preoperative blood glucose levels may or may not affect PJI risk,15,17,132 postoperative blood glucose levels of 126 mg/dL or higher are strongly associated with joint infections.133 Even nondiabetic patients with postoperative morning levels over 140 mg/dL are 3 times more likely to develop an infection.17
Efforts should be made to discharge patients as soon as it is safe to do so. With longer hospital stays, patients are more exposed to nosocomial organisms and increased antibiotic resistance.5,23,134 Outpatient antibiotics should be considered for dental, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary procedures. Oral antibiotic prophylaxis is controversial, as there is some evidence that dental procedures increase the risk of PJI only minimally.10,135-138
Conclusion
PJI is a potentially devastating complication of TJA. For this reason, much research has been devoted to proper diagnosis and treatment. Although the literature on PJI prophylaxis is abundant, there is relatively little consensus on appropriate PJI precautions. Preoperative considerations should include medical comorbidities, use of immunocompromising medications, obesity, nutritional factors, smoking, alcohol use, and MRSA colonization. Surgeons must have a consistent intraoperative method of antibiotic administration, skin preparation, scrubbing, draping, gloving, instrument exchange, blood loss management, cementing, and closure. In addition, monitoring of postoperative anticoagulation and blood glucose management is important. Having a thorough understanding of PJI risk factors may help reduce the incidence of this devastating complication.
