Surgical site infection following elective orthopaedic surgeries in geriatric patients: Incidence and associated risk factors

Mitigating infections in implantable urological continence devices: risks, challenges, solutions, and future innovations. A comprehensive literature review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Stress urinary incontinence is a growing issue in ageing men, often following treatment for prostate cancer or bladder outflow obstruction. While implantable urological devices offer relief, infections are a significant concern. These infections can lead to device removal, negating the benefits and impacting patient outcomes. This review explores the risks and factors contributing to these infections and existing strategies to minimize them. These strategies encompass a multifaceted approach that considers patient-specific issues, environmental issues, device design and surgical techniques. However, despite these interventions, there is still a pressing need for further advancements in device infection prevention.

RECENT FINDINGS

Faster diagnostics, such as Raman spectroscopy, could enable early detection of infections. Additionally, biocompatible adjuncts like ultrasound-responsive microbubbles hold promise for enhanced drug delivery and biofilm disruption, particularly important as antibiotic resistance rises worldwide.

SUMMARY

By combining advancements in diagnostics, device design, and patient-specific surgical techniques, we can create a future where implantable urological devices offer men a significant improvement in quality of life with minimal infection risk.

Prevalence, resistance profiles and factors associated with skin and soft-tissue infections at Jinja regional referral hospital: A retrospective study

Skin and soft-tissue infections (SSTI) are common cases of hospital-acquired infections with aetiological agents exhibiting antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This is a global public health predicament responsible for a high burden of infectious diseases and threatens the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially in Low- and Middle-Income countries (LMICs). This study determined the prevalence of SSTI, proportion of laboratory-investigated cases, AMR-profiles, and factors associated with SSTI and multi-drug resistance (MDR). This was based on records of patients suspected of SSTI for the period of 2019-2021 at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital. The analysis involved 268 randomly selected patient reports using WHONET 2022 and Stata 17 at the 95% confidence level. The prevalence of SSTI was 66.4%. Cases that involved laboratory testing were 14.1%. Staphylococcus aureus (n = 51) was the most isolated organism. MDR pathogens explained 47% of infections. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was up to 44%. In addition, 61% of Gram-negatives had the potential to produce extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL), while 27% were non-susceptible to carbapenems. Ward of admission was significantly associated with infection (aPR = 1.78, 95% CI: 1.00-3.18, p-value = 0.04). Age category (19-35) was an independent predictor for MDR infections (aPR = 2.30, 95%CI:1.02-5.23, p-value = 0.04). The prevalence of SSTI is high with MDR pathogens responsible for almost half of the infections. Gentamicin and ciprofloxacin can be considered for empirical management of strictly emergency SSTI cases suspected of Staphylococcus aureus. Given the high resistance observed, laboratory-based diagnosis should be increased to use the most appropriate treatment. Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) strategies should be heightened to reduce the prevalence of SSTI. Recognizing SSTI under the Global Antimicrobial resistance Surveillance System (GLASS) would lead to improved preparedness and response to AMR.

Effect of topical vancomycin powder on surgical site infection prevention in major orthopaedic surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials with trial sequential analysis

BACKGROUND

Evidence has been mixed regarding the effect of topical vancomycin (VCM) powder in reducing surgical site infection (SSI).

AIM

To clarify the effect of topical VCM powder for the prevention of SSI in major orthopaedic surgeries.

METHODS

The MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, ICTRP, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were searched from their inception to September 25th, 2023. Randomized controlled trials comparing topical VCM powder and controls for the prevention of SSI in major orthopaedic surgeries were included. Two reviewers independently screened the title and abstract and extracted relevant data, followed by the assessment of the risk of bias and the certainty of the evidence. Main outcome measures were overall SSI, reoperation, and adverse events. Summary results were obtained using random-effects meta-analysis. Trial sequential analysis (TSA) was performed.

FINDINGS

Eight randomized controlled trials yielded data on 4307 participants. VCM powder showed no difference in reducing overall SSI. The cumulative number of patients did not exceed the required information size of 19,233 in our TSA, and the Z-curves did not cross the trial sequential monitoring or futility boundary, suggesting an inconclusive result of the meta-analysis. No difference was found for reoperation. Among SSIs, VCM powder showed a statistically significant difference in reducing Gram-positive cocci SSI. However, the certainty of this evidence was very low.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review and meta-analysis suggests inconclusive results regarding the effect of VCM powder in reducing SSI in major orthopaedic surgeries. Further trials using rigorous methodologies are required to elucidate the effect of this intervention.

Prevalence of surgical site infection and risk factors in patients after foot and ankle surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis

The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the prevalence of surgical site infection (SSI) and related factors in patients after foot and ankle surgery. A comprehensive, systematic search was conducted in different international electronic databases, such as Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science and Persian electronic databases such as Iranmedex and Scientific Information Database (SID) using keywords extracted from Medical Subject Headings such as 'Prevalence', 'Surgical wound infection', 'Surgical site infection' and 'Orthopaedics' from the earliest to 1 June 2023. The appraisal tool for cross-sectional studies (AXIS tool) evaluates the quality of the included studies. A total of 10 447 patients undergoing foot and ankle surgery participated in nine studies. The pooled prevalence of SSI in patients who underwent foot and ankle surgery was reported in nine studies was 4.2% (95% CI: 2.4%-7.2%; I2  = 96.793%; p < 0.001). The odds ratio of SSI prevalence in men was higher than that of women and was significant (OR: 1.335; 95% CI: 1.106-1.612; Z = 3.009; p = 0.003). The pooled prevalence of SSI in patients with hindfoot fracture sites reported in five studies was 4.9% (95% CI: 2.6%-8.9%; I2  = 90.768%; p < 0.001). The pooled prevalence of SSI in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) reported in six studies was 9.1% (95% CI: 5.6%-14.6%; I2  = 73.957%; p = 0.002). The pooled prevalence of SSI in patients with hypertension (HTN) reported in five studies was 5.5% (95% CI: 2.5%-11.6%; I2  = 91.346%; p < 0.001). The pooled prevalence of SSI in patients with tobacco use reported in eight studies was 6.6% (95% CI: 4.1%-10.4%; I2  = 85.379%; p < 0.001). In general, the existing differences in the prevalence of SSI after foot and ankle surgery in different studies can be based on different risk factors such as comorbidities and gender. Therefore, it is suggested to design appropriate interventions to reduce SSI in these patients.

Prevalence of surgical wound infection and related factors in patients after long bone surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis

The goal of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to provide an overview of the prevalence of surgical wound infection and related factors in patients after long bone surgery. A comprehensive, systematic search was conducted in different international electronic databases, such as Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science and Persian electronic databases such as Iranmedex and Scientific Information Database using keywords extracted from Medical Subject Headings such as "Prevalence", "Surgical wound infection", "Surgical site infection" and "Orthopedics" from the earliest to the May 1, 2023. The appraisal tool for cross-sectional studies (AXIS tool) evaluates the quality of the included studies. A total of 71 854 patients undergoing long bone surgery participated in 12 studies. The pooled prevalence of surgical wound infection in patients who underwent long bone surgery reported in the 12 studies was 3.3% (95% CI: 1.5%-7.2%; I2  = 99.39%; p < 0.001). The pooled prevalence of surgical wound infection in male and female patients who underwent long bone surgery was 4.6% (95% CI: 1.7%-11.7%; p < 0.001; I2  = 99.34%) and 2.6% (95% CI: 1.0%-6.3%; I2  = 98.84%; p < 0.001), respectively. The pooled prevalence of surgical wound infection in patients with femur surgery sites reported in nine studies was 3.7% (95% CI: 2.1-6.4%; I2  = 93.43%; p < 0.001). The pooled prevalence of surgical wound infection in open and close fractures was 16.4% (95% CI: 8.2%-30.2%; I2  = 95.83%; p < 0.001) and 2.9% (95% CI: 1.5%-5.5%; I2  = 96.40%; p < 0.001), respectively. The pooled prevalence of surgical wound infection in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension (HTN) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) was 4.6% (95% CI: 2.3%-8.9%; I2  = 81.50%; p < 0.001), 2.7% (95% CI: 1.2%-6.0%; I2  = 83.82%; p < 0.001) and 3.0% (95% CI: 1.4%-6.4%; I2  = 69.12%; p = 0.006), respectively. In general, the different prevalence of surgical wound infection in patients undergoing surgical treatment after long bone fracture may be caused by underlying factors (gender and co-morbidity) and fracture-related factors (surgery site and type of fracture).

Factors Associated With the Development of a Confirmed Fracture-Related Infection

OBJECTIVES

To identify factors associated with the development of fracture-related infection (FRI) in patients who have undergone operative fixation of their fracture.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

SETTING

Academic medical center.

PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS

Patients with peripheral extremity long-bone fractures and shoulder and pelvic girdle fractures who underwent operative repair. This included patients who had undergone fixation inside and outside of our institution.

INTERVENTION

Chi-square, Fisher exact testing, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and t tests were used for analysis of data, as appropriate. Binomial logistic regression analysis was performed to determine risk factors of FRI.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Demographics, fracture location, injury mechanism, open wound status, and wound complication type.

RESULTS

One hundred ninety-three patients comprised the FRI cohort. Of those with confirmed signs of FRI, 36 (18.7%) had wound breakdown to bone or implant, 120 (62.1%) had a sinus track, and 170 patients (88.1%) had the confirmed presence of microorganisms in deep tissue samples obtained during operative intervention. Factors associated with development of an FRI were as follows: higher BMI; being of Black and Hispanic race; higher American Society of Anesthesiologists class; history of tobacco, alcohol, and drug use; and fractures of the lower extremity (foot, tibia, and femur/pelvis). The results of binary logistic regression demonstrated that treatment at an urban level I trauma center and drug use positively predicted the development of FRI.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrate that higher BMI; being of Black or Hispanic race; higher American Society of Anesthesiologists; history of tobacco, alcohol, and drug use; and fractures of the foot, tibia, and femur/pelvis are all factors associated with development of FRI.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

The Impact of Clinical Practice Guidelines on Preoperative Antibiotic Administration for Carpal Tunnel Release

Background: In 2015, the American Association of Plastic Surgeons (AAPS) published a consensus statement against the routine use of preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent surgical site infection in clean hand surgery. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) similarly cited "insufficient evidence" in its Appropriate Use Criteria guidelines to support the use of antibiotics in carpal tunnel surgery. Nonetheless, its administration remains a common practice during clean hand surgery. We sought to evaluate the impact of the above guidelines on preoperative antibiotic administration. Methods: An institutional review board-approved retrospective chart review of consecutive patients with carpal tunnel syndrome treated with open carpal tunnel release (CTR) at our institution was performed in the 2 years before and after publication of AAPS/AAOS guidelines. Patient demographics and surgical outcomes were reviewed. Incidence of antibiotic administration, patient demographics, and surgeon factors were collected. Results: A total of 770 primary open CTR procedures were performed in the studied years. In 2013 and 2014, 83.9% of patients received preoperative antibiotics. In 2017 and 2018, 48.2% of patients received preoperative antibiotics. Of the variables analyzed, immunosuppression, history of diabetes, and poorly controlled diabetes (A1c > 7) were found to be statistically significant in its positive correlation to prophylactic preoperative antibiotic use. Diabetes was not associated with surgical site infections. Conclusion: Patients were more likely to receive preoperative antibiotics before the publication of the AAPS/AAOS clinical practice guidelines. Patients with diabetes regardless of their glycemic control are more likely to receive preoperative antibiotics.

Impact of Preoperative Quality of Life and Related Factors on the Development of Surgical Site Infections Following Primary Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Prospective Case-Control Study with a Five-Year Follow-Up

Introduction

As surgical site infections (SSIs) after joint arthroplasty contribute to increased morbidity and mortality, they require further surgical intervention, prolonged hospitalisation, and antimicrobial treatment. The aim of our study is to examine the association between preoperative quality of life (QoL) and other predictive factors on the development of SSIs after primary arthroplasty.

Methods

This is a prospective study that enrolled 56 patients with hip and knee primary osteoarthritis who underwent joint replacement. Data were collected from January to March 2017, including patient demographic characteristics, comorbidities, laboratory results, and perioperative clinical data. The patients' QoL was evaluated preoperatively by applying the knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS) and the hip disability and osteoarthritis outcome score (HOOS) for total knee replacement (TKR) and total hip replacement (THR), respectively. A 5-year follow-up was conducted to assess the clinical status of the patients.

Results

66.1% of patients underwent TKR, with 4.9 ± 1.2 days of hospitalisation, 16% of them required autologous blood transfusion, while 33.9% of patients were treated with THR, with 5.7 ± 1 days hospitalisation and 36.8 of them required this type of transfusion. 16 patients were diagnosed with SSIs, with the older of them (>65 years old) presenting lower probability (odds ratio: 0.13, 95% CI: 0.03-0.62) requiring treatment with additional antibiotics, while revision surgery was performed in 3 of these cases, following periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). Overall preoperative QoL was not statistically associated with SSIs, but low QoL scores were associated with higher rates of SSIs and increased levels of postoperative pain (p = 0.009 < 0.05).

Conclusions

The duration of each operation (>90 min), the length of hospitalisation (>4 days), and the presence of comorbidities including hypothyroidism and recurrent urinary tract infections were associated with a high risk for SSIs following arthroplasties. On the contrary, this study revealed no association between other comorbidities, including heart coronary disease, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus, with close monitoring of plasma glucose and SSIs. Moreover, the younger the patients, the more likely they were to require treatment with antibiotics. Overall, high QoL index scores were mainly accompanied by low rates of postoperative SSIs and pain.

Predictors of hospital readmission after fractures: One-year follow-up study

OBJECTIVE

Identify the incidence and predictive factors for readmissions of elderly hospitalized with fractures.

METHOD

Prospective cohort study on 376 elderly people from a trauma referral large hospital in central Brazil. Data were collected from medical records of elderly people with radiological diagnosis of fractures. Readmission that occurs up to one year after the first discharge was defined the outcome variable. Pre- and post-admission characteristics were analyzed as predictive factors. Multiple analysis was performed using robust Poisson regression.

RESULTS

The main cause of hospitalization was fracture of the femur (53.2%) and the most frequent trauma mechanism was fall from standing height (72.9%). The incidence of readmission was 20.7%, of which 30.5% were related to the fracture itself, with emphasis on Surgical Site Infection. The predictors of readmissions were: age range 60 to 69 years, COPD, delirium and fracture of the femur.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of readmissions was high, with various causes and associated conditions pre-admission (age range 60-69, presenting COPD) and post-admission (delirium). The monitoring of these factors in the hospital environment is essential for prevention of readmissions.

Incidence and Risk Factors for Surgical Site Infection after Femoral Neck Fracture Surgery: An Observational Cohort Study of 2218 Patients

Background

Surgical site infection (SSI) was a formidable challenge for surgical management of femoral neck fractures; however, there was a lack of studies with comprehensive variables. We conducted this study to investigate the incidence and risk factors of SSI in elderly patients with femoral neck fractures.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of patients who presented with femoral neck fractures and underwent surgery in our institution between January 2016 and April 2020. All data were collected from a previously validated database. Patients were divided into SSI and non-SSI groups. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify the risk factors for SSI.

Results

A total of 2218 patients with femoral neck fractures were enrolled in the study, of whom 22 (1%) developed SSI, including 15 (0.7%) superficial and 7 (0.3%) deep SSIs. After multivariable adjustment for confounding factors, patients with and without SSI significantly differ in terms of gender, prolonged time to surgery, CHE < 5 U/L, and injury mechanism.

Conclusions

Our results were helpful for stratification of SSI risk and improved management of hip fracture. Clinicians should be alert to patients with these factors and improve modifiable factors such as preoperative waiting time.

Complications of Lesser Toe Surgery: How To Avoid Them before Surgery and How To Assess and Treat Them When They Have Occurred

Complications following lesser toe surgery are challenging to manage. The keys to treatment of any of these conditions are, first, to try to avoid them through identification of patient- and surgeon-related variables that contribute to their development and, second, following the occurance of a complication, to understand what can and cannot be corrected with surgical and nonsurgical management. This review provides a comprehensive assessment of current literature, demonstrates best practices and approaches to lesser toe complications, and provides an illustration of clinical examples.

Five-Year Analysis of Surgical Site Infections in Three Orthopaedics and Trauma Wards under HAI-Net from the South of Poland in 2014-2018 Considering the Standardized Infection Ratio

Background and Objectives: Surgical site infections (SSIs) are the most common healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in surgical wards. The highest risk of developing SSI is carried by operations involving implants, such as: hip prosthesis (HPRO), knee prosthesis (KPRO), open reduction of fracture (FX), and closed reduction of fracture with internal fixation (CR). Objectives. The objective of the study was to assess the incidence of SSI in patients subjected to HPRO, KPRO, FX, and CR procedures in orthopaedics and trauma wards in 2014-2018 considering risk factors included in the SIR index. Materials and Methods: The study included 6261 patients who were subjected to orthopaedic surgery in 2014-2018. The investigation covered three hospitals with orthopaedics and trauma wards. The research was conducted in the framework of the national HAI surveillance programme according to the methodology of the HAI-Net, ECDC. Results: A total of 6261 surgeries were investigated, of which 111 cases of SSI were detected. The incidence was 1.8%; HPRO (incidence 2.1%, median (Me) surgery duration 90 min, and standardized infection ratio (SIR) above 1 in all units tested); KPRO (incidence 2.0%, Me 103 min, and SIR above 1 for all units tested); FX (incidence 1.9%, Me 70 min, and SIR above 1 for two units tested and below 1 in one unit); CR (incidence 1.0%, Me 55 min, and SIR-not calculated). The etiological agents that were most frequently isolated from patients with SSI were Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase-negative Staphylococcus, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Conclusions: HPRO, KPRO, and FX operations performed in the studied wards carried a higher risk of developing SSI than that predicted by SIR. SSIs accounted for a significant percentage of the overall infection pool in CR surgeries. Actions should be undertaken to reduce the incidence of SSI in these surgeries. There should be a hospital network which facilitates cooperation in order to better monitor and analyse the incidence of SSI.

Risk factors associated with surgical site infections following joint replacement surgery: a narrative review

Background

Surgical site infection following joint replacement surgery is still a significant complication, resulting in repeated surgery, prolonged antibiotic therapy, extended postoperative hospital stay, periprosthetic joint infection, and increased morbidity and mortality. This review discusses the risk factors associated with surgical site infection.

Related risk factors

The patient-related factors include sex, age, body mass index (BMI), obesity, nutritional status, comorbidities, primary diagnosis, living habits, and scores of the American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification system, etc. Surgery-related factors involve preoperative skin preparation, prolonged duration of surgery, one-stage bilateral joint replacement surgery, blood loss, glove changes, anti-microbial prophylaxis, topical anti-bacterial preparations, wound management, postoperative hematoma, etc. Those risk factors are detailed in the review.

Conclusion

Preventive measures must be taken from multiple perspectives to reduce the incidence of surgical site infection after joint replacement surgery.

Mussel-Inspired Epoxy Bioadhesive with Enhanced Interfacial Interactions for Wound Repair

The balance between high mechanical properties and strong adhesion strength is crucial in designing and preparing a bio-based hydrogel adhesive for wound closure. Although the adhesion performance of bioadhesives has been remarkably improved by modification with catechol groups, their mechanical properties are yet to meet the biomedical requirements. In this study, mussel-inspired epoxy bioadhesives (CSD-PEG) were synthesized based on catechol-modified chitosan oligosaccharide (CSD) and polyethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (PEGDGE) through nucleophilic substitution. Notably, the CSD-PEG adhesive showed high mechanical and adhesion strengths, which were up to 50.7 kPa and 136.7 kPa, respectively. It was confirmed that a certain amount of the epoxy and catechol groups provided multiple interfacial interactions among the adhesives, substrates, and polymer chains for enhancing the performance of adhesives. The adhesives showed good binding and repairing effects for wound closure and favorable biocompatibility in vivo. The prepared CSD-PEG adhesives are expected to be a promising candidate for surgical tissue repair, wound closure, and tissue engineering fields. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Current reported adhesives composed of biopolymers generally suffer from poor mechanical properties or weak tissue adhesiveness. Therefore, to achieve simultaneously high mechanical and adhesion properties in a bio-based adhesive for wound closure is a big challenge. In this study, mussel-inspired adhesive hydrogels (CSD-PEG) were prepared based on catechol-modified chitosan oligosaccharide (CSD) and polyethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (PEGDGE). The tensile strength and adhesive strength of CSD-PEG on porcine skin reached 50.7 kPa and 136.7 kPa, respectively, which were higher than those for most reported biopolymeric adhesives, mainly due to the multiple interfacial interactions between the catechol and epoxy groups. The CSD-PEG bioadhesives also showed good binding and repairing effects for wound closure and tissue regeneration in vivo.

Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair without antibiotic prophylaxis does not increase the infection rate

PURPOSE

Rotator cuff repair is a commonly performed shoulder procedure. In the past 20 years, there has been a shift from mini-open towards arthroscopic repair, and many units exclusively use arthroscopic techniques for rotator cuff surgery. The aim of this study was to find out whether withholding antibiotics had any effect on the infection rate in patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 336 consecutive patients with an arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (RCR) and a minimum 2-year follow-up was performed. The control group received prophylactic antibiotics (controls) and the cases of interest did not receive perioperative antibiotics. A power analysis was performed according to literature regarding infection proportions. The primary outcome was an infection (superficial or deep) in the operated shoulder.

RESULTS

There were 336 patients who underwent a RCR. Two-hundred-and-twelve in the control group and 124 in the non-antibiotic group. Average ages were 57.3 ± 12.5 and 56.8 ± 13.2 years in each group, respectively. The follow-up times ranged from 24 to 76 months. Equipment used and surgical techniques were identical, only operating times were statistically different between the groups (control 77.2 ± 41.3 min versus no antibiotic cases 52.9 ± 16.7 min) (p = 0.000009). There was no recorded infection in either group.

CONCLUSION

Infection following arthroscopic surgery is uncommon. Small incisions, constant lavage with saline, minimal hardware insertion and short operating times all combine to minimise the risks. Current results point towards no detriment in withholding prophylactic antibiotics in low-risk patients undergoing routine rotator cuff repair surgery. Therefore, judicious use of prophylactic antibiotics in patients undergoing this procedure is advocated to prevent potential harm to those it is administered to.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

Relationship between surgeon volume and the risk of deep surgical site infection (DSSI) following open reduction and internal fixation of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fracture

It is well established that the postoperative results were affected by the surgeon volume in a variety of elective and emergent orthopaedic surgeries; however, by far, no evidences have been available as for surgically treated displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures (DIACFs). We aimed at investigating the relationship between surgeon volume and deep surgical site infection (DSSI) following open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of DIACFs. This was a further analysis of prospectively collected data from a validated database. Patients with DIACFs stabilised by ORIF between 2016 and 2019 were identified. Surgeon volume was defined as the number of surgically treated calcaneal fractures within one calendar year and was dichotomised based on the optimal cut-off value. The outcome measure was DSSI within 1 year postoperatively. Multivariate logistics regression analyses were performed to examine the relationship, adjusting for confounders. Among 883 patients, 19 (2.2%) were found to have a DSSI. The DSSI incidence was 6.5% in surgeons with a low volume (<6/year), 5.5 times as that in those with a high volume (≥6/year) (incidence rate, 1.2%; P < 0.001). The multivariate analyses showed a low volume <6/year was associated with a 5.8-fold increased risk of DSSI (95% confidence interval, 2.2-16.5, P < 0.001). This value slightly increased after multiple sensitivity analyses, with statistical significances still unchanged (OR range, 6.6-6.9; P ≤ 0.001). The inverse relationship indicates a need for at least six cases/year for a surgeon to substantially reduce the DSSIs following the ORIF of DIACFs.

Epidemiology and microbiology of fracture-related infection: a multicenter study in Northeast China

Objective

This study aimed to explore the epidemiological and microbiological characteristics of fracture-related infection (FRI), analyze the drug resistance characteristics of major pathogens, and provide timely and relatively complete clinical and microbiological data for antimicrobial treatment of FRI.

Methods

The clinical and microbiological data of patients with FRI from January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2020, were collected from three tertiary hospitals in Northeast China. The automatic microbial analysis system was used for strain identification and drug susceptibility testing, and the drug susceptibility results were determined in accordance with the latest Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) criteria (as applicable each year).

Results

A total of 744 patients with FRI were enrolled. The incidence of FRI was about 1.5%, and 81.7% were male patients, with an average age of 48.98 ± 16.01 years. Open fractures accounted for 64.8%. Motor crush (32.8%) and falling (29.8%) were the main causes of injuries. The common sites of infection were the tibia and fibula (47.6%), femur (11.8%), foot (11.8%), and hand (11.6%). A total of 566 pathogenic bacteria were cultured in 378 patients with positive bacterial cultures, of which 53.0% were Gram-positive bacteria and 47.0% were Gram-negative bacteria. The most common pathogen at all sites of infection is Staphylococcus aureus. Staphylococcus aureus had a high resistance rate to penicillin (PEN), erythromycin (ERY), and clindamycin (CLI), exceeding 50%. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was more than 80% resistant to CLI and ERY.

Conclusions

The incidence of FRI in Northeast China was at a low level among major medical centers nationwide. Staphylococcus aureus was still the main pathogen causing bone infections, and the proportion of MRSA was lower than reported abroad, but we have observed an increase in the proportion of infections. Enterobacteriaceae have a higher resistance rate to third-generation cephalosporins and quinolones. For Enterobacteriaceae, other sensitive treatment drugs should be selected clinically.

Is obesity a risk factor in percutaneous hallux valgus surgery?

BACKGROUND

Obesity and its relationship with higher rate of complications in orthopedic surgeries have been reported. There is no evidence of the relation between obesity and percutaneous foot surgery. Our objective was to evaluate obesity as a risk factor for complications and reoperations in percutaneous surgery of the hallux valgus.

METHODS

A total 532 feet were retrospectively reviewed in which a percutaneous hallux valgus correction was performed. Complications and surgical reoperations were recorded. Patients were divided into 2 groups: BMI less and greater than 30kg/m².

RESULTS

There were no differences in the rate of complications or reoperations. The total complication rate was 8%. Obesity as an isolated risk factor, presented aOR=1.14 (95%CI 0.54-2.4, p=.714). The overall rate of reoperations was 9%. Obesity presented an aOR=0.64 (95%CI 0.27-1.49, p=.31).

CONCLUSION

Obesity has not been associated with a higher rate of complications and reoperations in percutaneous hallux valgus surgery. It is a safe procedure and BMI should not influence in the prognosis.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Predictive factors of surgical site infection after hysterectomy for endometrial carcinoma: a retrospective analysis

Background

Surgical site infection (SSI) is a common postoperative complication. We aimed to analyze the potential risk factors of SSI in patients with endometrial carcinoma.

Methods

Patients with endometrial carcinoma who underwent surgery treatment in our hospital from Sept 1, 2018 to August 31, 2020 were included. We retrospectively compared the characteristics of SSI and no SSI patients, and logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the risk factors of SSI in patients with endometrial carcinoma.

Results

A total of 318 postoperative patients with endometrial carcinoma were included. The incidence of SSI in patients with endometrial carcinoma was 14.47 %. There were significant differences on the FIGO stage, type of surgery, durations of drainage, postoperative serum albumin and postoperative blood sugar (all p < 0.05), and no significant differences on the age, BMI, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, estimated blood loss, length of hospital stay were found (all p > 0.05). FIGO stage IV (HR3.405, 95 %CI 2.132–5.625), open surgery (HR2.692, 95 %CI 1.178–3.454), durations of drainage ≥ 7 d (HR2.414,95 %CI 1.125–2.392), postoperative serum albumin < 30 g/L (HR1.912,95 %CI 1.263–2.903), postoperative blood sugar ≥ 10 mmol/L (HR1.774,95 %CI 1.102–2.534) were the independent risk factors of SSI in patients with endometrial carcinoma (all p <  0.05).

Conclusions

Measures including reasonable control of serum albumin and blood glucose levels, minimally invasive surgery as much as possible, timely assessment of drainage and early removal of the tube may be beneficial to reduce the postoperative SSI in in patients with endometrial carcinoma.

Prevalence and risk factors of surgical site infection after closed isolated patella fracture surgery: A prospective cohort study

PURPOSE

Surgical site infection (SSI) after patella fracture surgery could be devastating and challenging. There is no large sample size study to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of it. The purpose of this study was to address this clinical issue.

METHODS

A total of 820 patients who underwent patella fracture surgery between October 2014 and December 2018, were included. Demographic data, fracture type, injury mechanism, pre-operative stay, surgery-related variables, and pre-operative laboratory indexes were obtained from a prospective database. The optimum cutoff value of surgery duration was detected by receiver operating characteristic analysis. Univariate analysis and multivariate analysis were performed to determine the risk factors.

RESULTS

A total of 17 patients developed SSI after patella fracture surgery, indicating a prevalence of 2.1%, with 11 cases (1.3%) for superficial infection and six cases (0.8%) for deep infection. After adjustment of multiple variables, current smoking, (OR, 18.6, CI, 3.5-99.0); albumin < 35 g/L, (OR, 7.4, CI, 1.1-52.3); diabetes mellitus, (OR, 8.8, CI, 1.3-59.4) and surgery duration > 79.5 minutes, (OR, 13.2, CI, 1.5-117.3) were identified to be independent risk factors of SSI after patella fracture surgery (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of SSI in patients with closed isolated patella fracture was 2.1%, with 1.3% for superficial and 0.8% for deep infection. We recommend individualized risk stratification and targeted interventions for patients with risk factors (current smoking, albumin < 35 g/L, diabetes mellitus, and surgery duration > 79.5 minutes).

Risk Factors for 30- and 90-Day Readmissions Due To Surgical Site Infection Following Posterior Lumbar Fusion

STUDY DESIGN

This was a retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE

Identify the independent risk factors for 30- and 90-day readmission because of surgical site infection (SSI) in patients undergoing elective posterior lumbar fusion (PLF).

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

SSI is a significant cause of morbidity in the 30- and 90-day windows after hospital discharge. There remains a gap in the literature on independent risk factors for readmission because of SSI after PLF procedures. In addition, readmission for SSI after spine surgery beyond the 30-day postoperative period has not been well studied.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed on data from the 2012 to 2014 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Readmissions Database. The authors identified 65,121 patients who underwent PLF. There were 191 patients (0.30%) readmitted with a diagnosis of SSI in the 30-day readmission window, and 283 (0.43%) patients readmitted with a diagnosis of SSI in the 90-day window. Baseline patient demographics and medical comorbidities were assessed. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to examine the independent risk factors for readmission because of SSI.

RESULTS

In the 30-day window after discharge, this study identified patients with liver disease, uncomplicated diabetes, deficiency anemia, depression, psychosis, renal failure, obesity, and Medicaid or Medicare insurance as higher risk patients for unplanned readmission with a diagnosis of SSI. The study identified the same risk factors in the 90-day window with the addition of diabetes with chronic complications, chronic pulmonary disease, and pulmonary circulation disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Independent risk factors for readmission because of SSI included liver disease, uncomplicated diabetes, obesity, and Medicaid insurance status. These findings suggest that additional intervention in the perioperative workup for patients with these risk factors may be necessary to lower unplanned readmission because of SSI after PLF surgery.

Incidence and risk factors for surgical site infection following elective foot and ankle surgery: a retrospective study

Background

This study aimed to investigate the incidence of surgical site infection (SSI) in elective foot and ankle surgeries and identify the associated risk factors.

Methods

This was designed as a retrospective study, including patients who underwent elective surgery of foot and ankle between July 2015 and June 2018. Data on demographics, comorbidities, and perioperative parameters were collected from the medical records, the laboratory report, the operation report, and the outpatient follow-up registration database. SSI was defined in accordance with the Center for Disease Control criteria. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify the independent risk factors for SSI.

Results

A total of 1201 patients undergoing 1259 elective foot/ankle surgeries were included, of whom 26 (2.1%) had an SSI, representing an incidence rate of 1.3% for superficial SSI and 0.8% for deep SSI, respectively. The results for organism culture showed Pseudomonas aeruginosa in 7 cases, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in 6, methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) in 5, methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative Staphylococci (MRCNS) in 2, Escherichia coli in 2, and Proteus mirabilis in 1 case. Five factors were identified to be independently associated with SSI, including prolonged preoperative stay (OR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.09 to 1.30), allograft or bone substitute (OR, 3.76; 95% CI, 1.51 to 5.30), elevated FBG level (OR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.26), lower ALB level (OR, 2.33; 95% CI, 1.19 to 3.05), and abnormal NEUT count (OR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.27 to 2.12).

Conclusions

SSI following elective foot and ankle surgeries is low, but relatively high in forefoot surgeries, requiring particular attention in clinical practice. Although most not modifiable, these identified factors aid in risk assessment of SSI and accordingly stratifying patients and therefore should be kept in mind.

Comorbidities Associated With Poor Outcomes Following Operative Hammertoe Correction in a Geriatric Population

Background:

Although complications following hammertoe correction surgery are rare, older patients with comorbid conditions are often considered poorer operative candidates compared with younger, healthier patients because of a suspected increased risk of adverse outcomes. The aim of this study was to determine if the presence of multiple comorbidities was associated with increased complications or unsuccessful patient-reported outcomes following operative hammertoe correction in geriatric patients.

Methods:

Prospectively collected data was reviewed on 78 patients aged 60 years or older who underwent operative correction of hammertoe deformity. Patient demographics, comorbidities, and postoperative complications were recorded. Patient-reported outcomes were assessed using preoperative and postoperative visual analog scale for pain and Short Form Health Survey Physical and Mental Component Summary with 1 year of follow-up. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on number of comorbidities (0 or 1 vs > 2) and then compared. The average age of patients was 69.4 years and the prevalence of comorbidities in the study population was as follows: 11.5% smokers, 25.6% on blood thinners, 15.4% with rheumatoid arthritis, 7.7% with diabetes mellitus, 2.6% with peripheral arterial disease, 6.4% with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 11.5% with coronary artery disease, and 23.1% with osteoporosis.

Results:

Fifty-three patients (67.9%) had 0 or 1 comorbidity and 25 (32.1%) had 2 or more comorbidities. Compared to the 0 or 1 comorbidity group, the presence of multiple comorbidities was associated with an adjusted odds ratio (OR) for superficial wound infection of 4.18 (P = .045) and deformity recurrence requiring surgery OR of 23.15 (P = .032). Patient-reported outcomes were similar between comorbidity groups.

Conclusions:

This study further informs foot and ankle specialists to maintain increased surveillance for postoperative complications and unsuccessful outcomes in patients with multiple comorbidities. Although geriatric patients still report significant improvements in both pain and function, patients with underlying medical conditions should be counseled about their increased risks when pursuing operative hammertoe correction.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, retrospective comparative series.

Incidence and risk factors of surgical site infection after intertrochanteric fracture surgery: A prospective cohort study

Surgical site infection (SSI) is a challenging complication after intertrochanteric fracture surgery but without a large-sample size study to investigate the incidence and risk factors of it. The present study was to investigate the incidence and risk factors of SSI after intertrochanteric fracture surgery. A total of 1941 patients underwent intertrochanteric fracture surgery between October 2014 and December 2018 were included. Demographic data, surgical variables, and preoperative laboratory indexes were obtained from a prospective database and reviewed by hospital records. The optimum cut-off value for quantitative data was detected by receiver operating characteristic analysis. The univariate analysis and multivariable analysis were conducted to analyse the risk factors. In total, 25 patients (1.3%) developed SSI, including 22(1.1%) superficial infection and 3(0.2%) deep infection. After adjustment of multiple variables, gender (odds ratio[OR] 2.64, P = .024), time to surgery>4 days (OR 2.41, P = .046), implant (intramedullary or extramedullary devices) (OR 2.96, P = .036), ALB<35 g/L (OR 2.88, P = .031) remained significant factors. In conclusion, the incidence of SSI after intertrochanteric fractures surgery was 1.3%, with 1.1% for superficial and 0.2% for deep infection. Gender, time to surgery>4 days, the implant (intramedullary or extramedullary devices), and ALB<35 g/L were independent risk factors for the rate of SSI.

Surgical site infection following traumatic orthopaedic surgeries in geriatric patients: Incidence and prognostic risk factors

Geriatric population is increasing rapidly worldwide, and fragility fracture and complication following orthopaedic surgery in elderly people have now become major challenges for surgeons. Further studies are required to identify potentially modifiable factors associated with surgical site infection (SSI) in geriatric patients. This retrospective, multicenter study was conducted at four level I hospitals in China. During the 31-month study period, a total of 2341 patients (65 years or older) underwent orthopaedic surgery and complete data were recorded from September 2015 to April 2018. Demographics information, medications and additional comorbidities, surgery-related variables, and laboratory indexes were extracted and analysed. Receiver-operating characteristic analysis was performed to detect the optimum threshold of continuous variables. Independent risk factors of SSI were identified by univariate and multivariate analyses. Finally, 63 patients suffered from wound infection within the follow-up period, indicating a 2.7% incidence rate of SSI. Statistical results showed that open injury (odds ratio [OR], 9.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 5.4-16.7), American Society of Anesthesiologists classified III-IV score (OR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.3-3.8), surgical duration of >132 minutes (OR, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.1-5.0), serum albumin (ALB) of <36.4 mg/L (OR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.6-3.4), and blood glucose (GLU) of >118 mg/dL (OR, 3.1; 95% CI, 1.1-5.3) were independent risk factors of postoperative SSI. With the application of sensitive and modifiable variables such as surgical duration and the levels of ALB and GLU, more geriatric patients with sub-high risk of postoperative SSI could be identified.

Surgical site infection following elective orthopaedic surgeries in geriatric patients: Incidence and associated risk factors

The purposes of this study were to investigate the incidence of surgical site infection (SSI) following geriatric elective orthopaedic surgeries and identify the associated risk factors This was a retrospective two-institution study. Between January 2014 and September 2017, patients aged 60 years or older undergoing elective orthopaedic surgeries were included for data collection and analysis. SSI was identified through the review of patients' medical records for the index surgery and through the readmission diagnosis of SSI. Patients' demographics, characteristics of disease, surgery-related variables, and laboratory examination indexes were inquired and documented. Univariate and multivariate logistic analyses were performed to determine independent risk factors for SSI. There were 4818 patients undergoing elective orthopaedic surgeries, and within postoperative 1 year, 74 patients were identified to develop SSIs; therefore, the overall incidence of SSI was 3.64%, with 0.4% for deep and 1.1% for superficial infection. Staphylococcus aureus (25/47, 53.2%) and coagulase-negative staphylococci (11/47, 23.4%) were the most common causative pathogens; half of S. aureus SSIs were caused by Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) (12/25, 48.0%). Five risk factors were identified to be independently associated with SSI, including diabetes mellitus (odds ratio [OR], 3.7; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.7-5.6), morbid obesity (OR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.3-3.9), tobacco smoking (OR, 4.2; 95% CI, 2.1-6.4), surgical duration>75th percentile (OR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.0-2.9), and ALB < 35.0 g/L (OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.3-3.4). We recommend the optimisation of modifiable risk factors such as morbid obesity, tobacco smoking, and lower serum albumin level prior to surgeries to reduce the risk of SSI.