Infection After Hip Replacement Operation

It occurs in one to three percent of patients nationally.

Infection after hip replacement operation.

Though our most recent review of infection data at the university of utah center for hip and knee reconstruction showed an infection rate better than the national average at 0 5 percent as of 2013. Infection is a rare but serious complication after total joint replacement surgery. Hip replacement surgery is done in an ultra clean operating theatre and antibiotics are given during the operation. Joint replacement infections may occur in the wound or deep around the artificial implants.

Infections are caused by viruses or bacteria. A bacterium called staphylococcus aureus is responsible. The chances of having ssis are about 1 3 and there are various signs to look out for an infection after surgery. Any type of infection in other areas of the body can also lead to the infection of the hip or knee replacements.

But in less than 1 in every 100 operations an infection may still happen. How common is a hip replacement infection. Infections can happen to the joint replacement infection even years after the surgery. Signs of infection after surgery.

Very rarely the hip replacement may need to be washed out or a new replacement may be used. Antibiotics before and after surgery. Hip replacement is a very common operation that is effective at providing pain relief and improving mobility however infection can sometimes occur following joint replacement. Have diabetes rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis.

Why consider knee joint replacement and hip joint replacement surgery. By knowing the signs and symptoms however and looking at your incision regularly you can help boost the odds of early detection and prompt treatment of any infection that might occur. Symptoms of hip replacement infection. Antibiotics are given within one hour of the start of surgery and continued for a short period following the procedure different antibiotics may be used depending on the patient s individual history of infection allergies to specific medications and other concerns.

You should inspect your incision every day for a few weeks after surgery and check your temperature every day at the same time. During a hip infection germs such as bacteria viruses fungi and parasites get into the bone and joints and reproduce themselves. An infection may develop during your hospital stay or after you go home. Infection after surgery can lead to more pain prolonged time in the hospital readmission to the hospital and in rare cases life threatening illness.

You ll be given antibiotics. A small percentage of patients undergoing hip or knee replacement roughly about 1 in 100 may develop an infection after the operation. Have had a previous operation on the joint especially if an infection occurred at that time. No surgical procedure is without risks however.