Periprosthetic joint infection is among the most serious complications of arthroplasty, and much of its prevention rests on steps that are established but inconsistently done.
Give prophylactic cefazolin, weight-adjusted, within 60 minutes before incision, and redose for long procedures or heavy blood loss. Prepare the skin with an alcohol-based chlorhexidine solution. Optimise glucose control, stop smoking where possible, and treat active skin or urinary infection before elective surgery. Keep theatre traffic and door openings to a minimum.
- Give weight-adjusted cefazolin within 60 minutes before incision
- Use alcohol-based chlorhexidine skin preparation
- Check HbA1c and optimise glucose before elective arthroplasty
- Treat skin, dental and urinary infections before an elective joint replacement
- Limit theatre traffic during the procedure
Why it matters
Most prevention gains come from doing the basics every time, not from new technology.
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