An exploration of the risk factors for developing deep wound infection after joint replacement surgery

Abstract

Introduction: In Australia there are approximately 180,000 Healthcare Acquired Infections (HAIs) annually. Decreasing HAI has been identified as a quality improvement priority. Deep wound infection following joint replacement surgery have substantial impacts on patients’ outcomes and healthcare costs. The research literature identified two areas for infection prevention associated with joint replacements: preoperative screening and optimisation of risk factors and intraoperative interventions including: improved surgical technique, prophylactic antibiotics and rigorous infection control practices.