Periprosthetic joint infection remains among the most serious complications of joint replacement, and much of its prevention happens before the first incision. Optimise modifiable risk factors such as glycaemic control, smoking and skin condition before listing. Give prophylactic antibiotics within the hour before incision, re-dose for long operations or heavy blood loss, and limit operating-room traffic. Treat wound drainage after surgery promptly rather than watching it.
- Check and optimise glycaemic control before elective arthroplasty.
- Give prophylactic antibiotics within 60 minutes before incision.
- Re-dose antibiotics for prolonged surgery or major blood loss.
- Keep theatre door openings and traffic to a minimum.
- Review persistent wound drainage early rather than waiting.
Why it matters
Infection after arthroplasty is far easier to prevent than to treat, and the preventive steps are routine.
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