Prevention of Surgical Site Infections: Being a Winner

Surgical site infections are one of the major challenges facing orthopaedic surgeons. For the past 50 years, surgical infections have been studied closely in the United States in order to improve outcomes and minimize morbidity. Surgical site infections are a leading measure of success for many hospitals as well as surgeons. There have been many recommendations regarding best practices, however, many surgeons and institutions continue protocols that are based on tradition and past precedence. While there are no standard validated recommendations regarding many aspects of preventing surgical infections, there are many principles that can minimize the risk. In addition many guidelines exist regarding definitions, classifications and antibiotic prophylaxis. An understanding of these provides a basis for good clinical practice.