The Infected Hip: Avoidance and Treatment

Periprosthetic joint infection is one of the most common causes of failure after total hip arthroplasty. After strict sterile technique, the use of appropriate perioperative antibiotics administered before the skin incision is the most effective method to prevent infection. We have also found that a 3-minute dilute (0.35%) betadine lavage before closure has been helpful in decreasing the risk of periprosthetic joint infection. When treating the chronically infected total hip arthroplasty, debridement should be avoided, and a 2-stage exchange protocol remains the gold standard in North America.