Risk Factors for Superficial Side Infections after Total Hip Arthroplasty

Abstract

As the numbers of primary total joint replacements and following revision operations are constantly rising, there are more and more patients with severe comorbidities, which might be considered as additional risk factor for developing a periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). In this study, we analyzed patient-related risk factors, which might influence the occurrence of superficial surgical side infections (SSI) after total hip replacements. There is no study yet, focusing only on superficial SSI rather than on deep infections or PJI in general. Methods: We performed a literature research in Pubmed. Used key words were 'hip AND (arthroplasty OR replacement) AND infection'. We found 4,417 studies related to this broad definition. After exclusion by defined criteria, 10 relevant studies were left. Results: We found the following patient-related risk factors for superficial SSI: Obesity, age, ASA class >2, diabetes mellitus, HIV, hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), previous cardiac surgery, dyspnea, corticosteroid use and hepatitis C. Gender, race and chronic kidney disease were not confirmed as risk factors for superficial SSI. Conclusions: To guarantee the best possible outcome after the surgery, it is advisable to treat these patients before performing a total hip replacement - if possible.