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Incidence of Early Post Operative Infection after Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty at an East African Centre
Abstract
Introduction: Surgical site infections (SSI) may occur after orthopedic surgery and are associated with increased costs, more surgical procedures and death. Various techniques have been developed to reduce this risk. Operation theatres in Africa are not as sophisticated as those in the west and one may expect higher rates of infection after primary Total Knee Replacement Arthroplasties (TKRA). We conducted a study to determine the incidence and risk factors for the development of post operative SSI after primary TKRA at a hospital in Africa over a fourteen year period.
Methodology: A retrospective cohort study was conducted of all TKRA patients. The incidence of infection was determined for the first thirty days after surgery. The study was approved by the institution ethics committee.
Results: The incidence of early postoperative SSI was 6.49%. We did not identify any risk factors for the development of SSI. Conclusion: There may be an increased risk of early SSI after primary TKRA in our region. Larger studies are needed to identify the modifiable risks factors.
Keywords: Total Knee Replacement Arthroplasty, Infection, East Africa
