Infection rates in total knee arthroplasty: A study

Abstract

Background: Periprosthetic joint infection is an uncommon complication of Arthroplasty. But it is among the most devastating complication for the pt. as well for the treating Surgeon. Periprosthetic jt. Infection is the third most common cause of revision of TKA after aseptic loosening and pain. According to the National Jt. Registry report of 2013, 22% revision procedures were performed for infection. The Economic consequences associated with treating periprosthetic infection is substantial. Patients and Methods: This is a retrospective observational study done between Nov. 2016 to August 2017. All the pts. Who underwent TKA in this Hospital, (King Fahad Specialist Hospital) Al-Qassim, Saudi Arabia, during this period and were diagnosed with infection were included in this study. Results: Total of 339 primary TKRs were done in this Hospital. In a span of 9 months, out of which 6 pts. Were diagnosed with infection. Three cases had deep infection another 3 cases had superficial infection. This gives total infection rate of 1.76% deep infection rate of 0.88% and superficial infection rate of 0.88%.Conclusion: The study shows that the infection rate among TKR pts. In this Hospital is on par with the best outcomes in the world. Bilateral staged TKR has higher rate of infection compared to unilateral TKR. Superficial infection responds well to thorough lavage and parenteral (intravenous) antibiotics. Deep infections needed arthrotomy, thorough debridement and change of Polyethylene insert with or without implant removal. S. aureus is the most common organism isolated from cases of deep infection. Multiple factors are involved in the causation of infection which include but are not limited to, like Pt. comorbidities, sterilization techniques, limiting the entry of traffic in the OT and reducing the duration of surgery time in OT.