Role of Modifiable Risk Factors in Postoperative Infections, Following Joint Arthroplasty.

Authors

Luana Johnson, Lynchburg UniversityFollow

Specialty

Orthopaedics

Advisor

Dr. Bartley Rust

Abstract

As the American population ages, osteoarthritis (OA) will also have more of an impact. Once, people believed that disability was an unavoidable effect of aging, but this belief as changed as older American expect to stay as active as possible, for as long as possible. These factors have sparked an increased demand for elective total hip arthroplasty, (THA), and total knee arthroplasty, (TKA). These procedures have high success rates and are considered relatively safe and effective^1,2; “According to the Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, (AAOS), serious complications, such as knee infections, occur in less than two percent of patients^3”. However, when infections occur, the results can have devastating consequences for the patients. This project will focus on three modifiable risk factors, that seem to be associated with an increased risk of developing postoperative infections: obesity, poor glycemic control, and long operative times. ^4,5,6

Recommended Citation

Johnson L. Role of Modifiable Risk Factors in Postoperative Infections, Following Joint Arthroplasty.. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2019; 1(1).