Prevention of haematogenous infection in prosthetic joints.
A survey was conducted to identify the attitude of consultant orthopaedic surgeons and rheumatologists in Scotland, North East England and Ireland, to the prevention of blood-borne infection in prosthetic joints. Of the 61% who completed the questionnaire, 65% gave advice about intercurrent infection, a similar number gave advice about the use of prophylactic antibiotics before certain surgical procedures, with less than half of the patients receiving any written instructions about inter-current infection, and less than a quarter of the patients receiving any written instructions about antibiotic prophylaxis. 36% of the respondents were confused as to what to advise or ignored the problem. The reality of late infection is discussed and a policy to minimise the risk of late infection in prosthetic joints is presented for consideration.
Ching
D W
DW
Department of Rheumatology, City Hospital, Aberdeen.
Gibson
P H
PH
Gould
I M
IM
Rennie
J A
JA
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007592:Joint Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control*; D007595:Joint Prosthesis / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011292:Premedication; D018805:Sepsis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents