Risk factors for periprosthetic joint infection of the hip and knee

Aim To investigate risk factors for the development of prosthetic joint infection. Methods A group of 50 patients with periprosthetic infection was compared with a group of 100 randomly selected patients with total hip or knee arthroplasty without infectious complications. Twelve risk factors in both groups were analysed. Results Five factors showed to be significant: body mass index higher than 40, diabetes mellitus on insulin therapy, kidney and liver disease, vascular disease of the lower extremities and positive drain tip culture. Conclusion One of the ways to reduce the incidence of periprosthetic infection is the maximum possible elimination of risk factors in patients who have a high probability of endoprosthesis infection. If this elimination is not possible for a long time, it is advisable to consider abandoning the planned operation.