Risk factors for early implant-related surgical site infection.

Purpose: To identify the risk factors and microbes associated with early implant-related surgical site infection (SSI).

Methods: Records of 193 implant-related SSIs secondary to primary orthopaedic surgery were reviewed. Early and late SSI was defined as infection diagnosed within and after 3 months of surgery, respectively.

Results: Of the 193 implant-related SSIs, 29 were superficial incisional, 127 were deep incisional, and 37 were organ/space-related. 144 (90%) out of 160 SSIs used cefazolin in their prophylactic antibiotic regimen. In univariate analysis, early SSI was associated with diabetes mellitus, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score of >2, emergency procedures, and lack of antibiotic prophylaxis. In multivariable analysis, early SSI was associated with an ASA score of >2 (p=0.016).

Conclusion: It is important to cross-check ASA score with co-morbidities to reduce early SSIs. Peri-operative optimisation and antibiotic prophylaxis should be administered prior to surgery. Appropriate modification of antibiotic prophylaxis should be considered.