Incidence and sources of native and prosthetic joint infection: a community based prospective survey

Abstract

Objectives-To determine the incidence and sources of bacterial arthritis in the Amsterdam health district and the maximum percentage of cases that theoretically would be preventable. Methods-Patients with bacterial arthritis diagnosed between 1 October 1990 and 1 October 1993 were prospectively reported to the study centre by all 12 hospitals serving the district. Data were gathered on previous health status, source of infection, and microorganisms involved. Results-188 episodes of bacterial arthritis were found in 186 patients. Most of the 38 children were previously healthy. Fifty per cent of the adults were 65 years or older. Of the adults 84% had an underlying disease, in 59% a joint disorder. Joint surgery constituted the largest part of direct infections (33%) and skin defects were the most important source of haematogenous infections (67%). Infection of joints containing prosthetic or osteosynthetic material by a known haematogenous source occurred 15 times (8%). Staphylococcus aureus was the causative organism in 44% of all positive cultures. Conclusion-The incidence of bacterial arthritis was 5.7 per 100 000 inhabitants per year. Preventive measures directed to patients with prosthetic joints or osteosynthetic material, and a known haematogenous source would have prevented at most 8% of all cases.

Relationship Between Perioperative Urinary Tract Infection and Deep Infection After Joint Arthroplasty

“…Our data suggested no clear evidence between postoperative UTI and joint infection, which is consistent with the literature [22,24,36,41]. The majority of bacteria we observed were not enteric pathogens.…”

Time delay between diagnosis and arthroscopic lavage in septic arthritis. Does it matter?

“…Septic arthritis is a common clinical problem [1][2][3] and previous studies have identified the importance of early diagnosis and treatment to reduce the risk of chondral damage and poor long-term function due to complications of early arthrosis. Vispo Seara et al [18] found that early surgical intervention (mean 12 days) in large joint septic arthritis led to improved functional outcomes and fewer repeat surgical interventions.…”

“…The incidence of this condition is reported to be up to 7.8 per 100,000 per year [1][2][3]. The progression can be very rapid with potentially lifethreatening complications.…”

Prosthetic Joint Infections

“…[4,[6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14] Once an infection is diagnosed, a number of therapeutic approaches may be adopted. The selection of a particular approach depends on host factors (age, baseline mobility, comorbidities, etc.…”