Incidence Risk Level and Severity of Orthopedic Surgical Site Infection in Jordan

Abstract

Background Orthopedic surgical site infections are higher in developing countries compared with developed countries. Purpose This study aimed to determine the following: incidence rate of infection, levels of risk of infection, the severity of orthopedic infection, and the relationship between risk level of and severity level of orthopedic infection. Methods The study used a prospective approach to collect data about orthopedic surgery patients through assessing their health status and reviewing their medical records and monitoring for the occurrence of surgical site infection within 90 days after the operation. A total of 286 patients met the eligibility criteria from 18 hospitals. The severity of wound infection was assessed using the Additional treatment, Serous discharge, Erythema, Purulent exudate, Separation of deep tissues, isolation of bacteria, and duration of inpatient Stay wound scoring scale, and the levels of risk were assessed using the National Nosocomial Infection Surveillance risk index score. Results The incidence rate of orthopedic surgical site infection was (n = 8; 2.8%). Five patients (62.5%) had a moderate-risk level of infection, and 2 patients (25%) had a high-risk level. Most patients (n = 278; 97.2%) had satisfactory healing level. Both risk levels and severity levels of orthopedic surgical site infection were significantly correlated with each other. Conclusion Appropriate risk level and severity level assessment tools should be used to aid in the assessment of orthopedic surgical site infection.