Original article

Risk factors for periprosthetic joint infection of the hip and knee

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Abstract

Aim: To investigate risk factors for the development of prosthetic joint infection.

Methods: A group of 50 patients with periprosthetic infection was compared with a group of 100 randomly selected patients with total hip or knee arthroplasty without infectious complications. Twelve risk factors in both groups were analysed.

Results: Five factors showed to be significant: body mass index higher than 40, diabetes mellitus on insulin therapy, kidney and liver disease, vascular disease of the lower extremities and positive drain tip culture.

Conclusion: One of the ways to reduce the incidence of periprosthetic infection is the maximum possible elimination of risk factors in patients who have a high probability of endoprosthesis infection. If this elimination is not possible for a long time, it is advisable to consider abandoning the planned operation.

Keywords: body mass index, diabetes mellitus, total joint replacement

How to Cite:

Breznicky, J., Hlavac, M., Novak, M. & Hrncar, M., (2019) “Risk factors for periprosthetic joint infection of the hip and knee”, Medicinski glasnik 17(1), 92-97. doi: https://doi.org/10.17392/1046-20