In the modern medical world, joint replacement surgery such as **joint replacement** is one of the most successful ways to improve the quality of life of people with joint problems such as severe arthritis... but this method, like any other surgery, is associated with potential risks.... One of the most serious complications facing patients who undergo joint replacement surgery is infection after joint replacement surgery. It can happen while you're in the hospital or after you go home....it can even happen years later....any infection in your body can spread to your joint replacement....minor infections in the wound area are usually treated with antibiotics....major or deep infections may require further surgery and disc removal....orthopedic surgeon before surgery.... **Warning signs of infection after joint replacement surgery include:** persistent fever (above 100°F orally) chills increased redness, tenderness, or swelling of the incision wound discharge from incision pain increases with both activity and rest If you notice any of these symptoms, tell your doctor right away.. and "How old is too old for a joint replacement?" There is no age limit for people who can safely undergo joint replacement surgery... But for some people, the risks after surgery may outweigh the benefits... One of the most serious risks is a complication of total joint arthroplasty called a prosthetic joint infection or periprosthetic infection... an often debilitating and expensive complication to consider if you decide to do it... What is a prosthetic joint infection (PJI)?... Artificial joint infection Occurs when bacteria around the replaced joint become infected after surgery.. This infection causes swelling, pain, and other more severe problems that, if not prevented, may require a long-term, painful, and expensive treatment program.. This infection compromises both function and pain.. Replacement surgery in only 0.5% to 2.5% of joint replacements in the United States. It reaches 1.6 billion dollars.... Globally, the rate of infection after joint replacement surgery after total knee replacement (TKA) ranges from 0.39% to 3.9%... In Iran, due to the increasing number of joint surgeries, it is paid attention to the prevention of infection.. Replacement surgery... Infection after joint replacement surgery can be superficial (in the skin and soft tissues) or deep (around the prosthesis). Dentistry is big..Bacteria can attach to the metal and plastic surfaces of implants, where the immune system has a hard time replacing them with an infection after surgery..Infection can be acute (early, in the first few weeks) or chronic (late, months or years later)....Risk factors for infection after joint replacement surgery Several factors increase the risk of infection after joint replacement surgery. Patient-related factors include: - Obesity: patients with a BMI above 40 are 7 times more at risk.... - Uncontrolled diabetes: HbA1c above 7 increases the risk of infection after joint replacement surgery.... - Smoking: nicotine impairs wound healing and leads to infection after joint replacement surgery..... - Immunodeficiency: such as HIV, lymphoma or immunosuppressive treatments.... - Peripheral vascular diseases: poor circulation in the hands and feet.... - Malnutrition or anemia before surgery... - Gender and age: Men and younger people may be at higher risk for infection after joint replacement surgery. Factors including long operating time, high operating room traffic, or inadequate sterile techniques can lead to infection after joint replacement surgery. Signs and diagnosis of infection after joint replacement surgery. Warning signs of infection after joint replacement surgery include persistent fever, chills, redness and swelling of the wound, discharge, and increased pain. Joint replacement Surgery includes a physical exam, blood tests (such as CRP and ESR), imaging (x-rays, bone scans) and joint fluid aspiration to check for bacteria.... Tests such as synovager can confirm infection after joint replacement surgery.... How to prevent infection after joint replacement surgery?... The cheapest and best way to prevent infection complications after joint replacement surgery. Regarding joint replacement, here are four ways to help reduce the risk of infection after joint replacement surgery: 1... ask your surgeon if they screen patients to determine if they carry staph... this is a bacteria that commonly causes joint infections... not all hospital systems do this simple test... patients who are carriers are given an antibiotic ointment to use before surgery... this can reduce re-infection... don't smoke or if you smoke, quit before surgery Do....Patients who use nicotine in any form are at higher risk for wound healing problems...Wound healing problems can lead to infection after joint replacement surgery..But people who stop using nicotine before surgery can reduce the risk of infection after joint replacement surgery. HbA1c... People with HbA1c above seven are at higher risk for infection after joint replacement surgery... Surgery should be delayed until diabetes is better controlled... 4... Maintain a healthy weight... Finally and most importantly, maintaining a healthy weight can significantly reduce the risk of infection after joint replacement surgery. They may be up to seven times more likely.. Aggressively manage any medical problems, especially diabetes.... You also want to quit smoking.... Be sure to ask your surgeon what steps the hospital takes to manage the risk of infection after joint replacement surgery.... Preoperative measures to prevent infection after joint replacement surgery.. 4-6 weeks before surgery, achieve an HbA1c below 7 and lose weight to achieve a BMI below 35-40.. Surgical measures to prevent infection after joint replacement surgery include antibiotic prophylaxis (prescribing antibiotics one hour before surgery and continuing for 24 hours), sterile techniques (short operating time, minimal traffic in the room using preoperative washing tools), and using preoperative washing tools. Bacterial loading of the skin and silver dressings to reduce acute infections... Surgery: wound care to prevent infection after Joint replacement surgery is essential: keep it clean and monitor symptoms...Also, antibiotics are recommended for high-risk patients before dental procedures according to ADA and AAOS guidelines..Control of other infections, such as urinary tract or skin infections, should be prompt....If infection occurs after joint replacement surgery, treatment depends on depth and time..Non-surgical treatment for superficial infections includes IV or oral antibiotics..For deep infections: - Non-surgical treatment: cleaning the wound and replacing the plastic liner along with 6 weeks of IV antibiotics.... - Two-stage surgery: removing the implant, placing an antibiotic spacer, and then replacing it after 6 to 12 weeks.... - One-stage surgery: less common, but in special cases.... Antibiotic treatment usually lasts 2 weeks after treating the joint infection until specialized treatment takes 6-1 joint.. Surgical replacement.... ### statistics and Economic impact of infection after joint replacement surgery The infection rate after joint replacement surgery is about 0.4-1.4% after THA and 0.25-2% after TKA.. Post-infection mortality after joint replacement surgery is up to 11% in the first three years, similar to breast or prostate cancer. Report infection after joint replacement surgery... - Avoid dental procedures for at least 3-6 months after surgery, except with antibiotics to prevent infection after joint replacement surgery.... Prevention plays a key role in reducing infection after joint replacement surgery... Prevention of infection after joint replacement surgery requires the cooperation of the patient and the doctor. For replacement surgery, contact Dr. Homan Kokbi, an orthopedic surgeon and specialist in Tehran.