Norris et al identified risk factors for a deep surgical site infection following repair of a periarticular knee fracture. The authors are from High Point University, Oklahoma State University, and the University of Leeds.
Occurrence of deep SSI: 6% of fractures
Sites of periarticular knee fractures:
(1) distal femur
(2) patella
(3) tibial plateau
(4) proximal tibia
Risk factors for deep SSI:
(1) male sex
(2) open fracture
(3) smoking
(4) diabetes
(5) compartment syndrome
The most common isolates were MRSA and MSSA, with both comprising about 20% of isolates. The remainder are mix of enterics, Pseudomonas and other organisms.
The occurrence of septic arthritis is important to document.
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