title: Infection as a complication of total knee-replacement arthroplasty. Risk factors and treatment in sixty-seven cases.
abstract: Of 4171 total knee arthroplasties that were performed at our institution from 1973 to 1987, sixty-seven were followed by infection. The risk of infection was significantly increased in patients, particularly men, who had rheumatoid arthritis; in patients who had ulcers of the skin; and in patients who had had a previous operation on the knee. Infection was also associated with obesity, recurrent urinary-tract infection, and oral use of steroids, although the correlation was not statistically significant. Of the various treatment options that were studied, removal and delayed replacement of the knee prosthesis resulted in the best functional results.
authors.affiliation: Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115.
authors.forename: M G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Wilson
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kelley
authors.forename: T S
authors.initials: TS
authors.lastname: Thornhill
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000601:surgery; D001174:Arthrodesis; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D003646:Debridement; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D007720:Knee Prosthesis / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000601:surgery; D012086:Reoperation; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents