Overview: the health care burden and financial costs of surgical site infections

Abstract

Although the rate of surgical site infections (SSIs) in total hip and knee arthroplasties is low relative to total number of procedures performed, SSIs can debilitate patients, prolong hospital stays, and dramatically increase health care costs. Constant adherence to anti-SSI measures (preoperative, perioperative, postoperative) benefits everyone. Carefully analyzing the major cause of SSIs, conducting risk assessments around each modifiable factor, and implementing robust SSI prevention programs are crucial. The US government recently funded an SSI prevention educational initiative for health care facilities and workers. Project JOINTS (Joining Organization IN Tackling SSIs), a program of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, was developed to disseminate new information and provide training in SSI prevention. Use of risk assessment and prevention measures, including those recommended by Project JOINTS, should help reduce the incidence of SSIs in total hip and knee arthroplasties.