Study of Surgical Site Infections in Implant Surgeries: Risk Factors and Microbiological Profile

Abstract

Introduction: Surgical Site Infections (Ssis) Are A Major Postoperative Complication In Orthopedic Procedures, Particularly Those Involving Implants. They Contribute To Increased Morbidity, Prolonged Hospitalization, and Higher Healthcare Costs. Understanding The Risk Factors And Microbiological Profile Of Ssis Is Essential For Effective Prevention And Management.

Aim: To Study Surgical Site Infections In Orthopedic Patients With Reference To Demographic Characteristics, Risk Factors, Microbiological Profile, And Clinical Outcomes.

Methods: A Prospective Case-Control Study Was Conducted Over 12 Months In The Department Of Orthopaedics. Group An Included 50 Patients Who Developed SSI Following Surgery, While Group B Comprised 50 Age-, Sex-, Procedure-, And Surgeon-Matched Controls Without SSI. Data On Demographics, Comorbidities, Surgical Parameters, And Outcomes Were Collected. Microbiological Analysis Of Wound Cultures Was Performed, And Statistical Comparisons Were Made Using Chi-Square And T-Tests.

Results: SSI Cases Had A Higher Prevalence of Diabetes (38%), Smoking (42%), Obesity (30%), Prolonged Surgery (>2 Hrs, 56%), and Extended Preoperative Hospital Stay (>3 Days, 48%) Compared To Controls (P<0.05). Staphylococcus Aureus Was the Most Common Isolate (MSSA 28%, MRSA 22%), Followed By Pseudomonas Aeruginosa (14%) And Klebsiella Spp. (10%). SSI Patients Had Significantly Longer Hospital Stays (14.2 ± 4.6 Days), Higher Reoperation Rates (26%), And Increased Readmissions (22%) Compared To Controls (P<0.001).

Conclusion: Ssis In Orthopedic Implant Surgeries Are Associated With Identifiable Risk Factors And A Predominance Of Multidrug-Resistant Organisms. Early Recognition And Targeted Interventions Are Critical To Improving Surgical Outcomes And Reducing Infection-Related Morbidity.