Hip or knee prosthesis: how to avoid complications due to infections?

What symptoms indicate an infection in the joint?

Infection of an artificial joint can occur in the first few weeks after the operation or years later. The skin and mucous membrane form natural barriers. Injuries to these barriers or infected wounds or other inflammations (mouth, bladder, lungs) can allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream or lymphatic system and colonise the artificial joint. If the immune system is weakened, these bacteria can continue to multiply and trigger an infection.

Depending on which bacterium triggers the infection, this manifests itself as follows:

• Sudden reddening
• swelling
• Overheating
• fever
• and pulsating pain at rest

The artificial joint may become loose as the infection progresses. Other bacteria settle in the bone and cause the prosthesis to slowly loosen (low-grade infection).

Regardless of when the infection of the artificial joint occurs, it is a serious complication that usually results in a second operation and a long course of antibiotics. To bring the infection under control, it is often necessary to remove the artificial joint. A temporary placeholder made of cement enriched with antibiotics is fitted until a new prosthesis (revision prosthesis) can be inserted once the infection has subsided. This is a very long ordeal for those affected.

The right preparation is crucial

Before every operation, our patients who receive an artificial hip or knee joint receive special counselling.

The skin is our natural protection against the outside world and is colonised by many skin bacteria. These skin bacteria are normally harmless, but they can lead to infections in the event of skin injuries and weakened immune defences (stress, smoking, diabetes, etc.).

We therefore recommend cleaning the body with a special antibacterial washing lotion one week before the operation. Immediately before the operation, the area to be operated on should also be cleaned with disinfectant wipes for a few days. This significantly minimises the number of bacteria on the skin and reduces the risk of infection. We will take further specific measures to minimise the risk of infection during the operation and in hospital.

For healing and defence against bacteria, it is important that the immune system is particularly well prepared for the upcoming operation. This requires sufficient vitamins and high-quality proteins. These are not only necessary for better wound healing, but are also important for building up the muscles. We therefore recommend taking special high-quality vitamin and protein products both before and after the operation. We also recommend regular dental and foot hygiene both before and after an artificial hip or knee joint operation.

Book a consultation appointment

We guarantee rapid, expert clarification and advice as well as treatment using the most modern methods.

Dr Andreas L. Oberholzer is a recognised expert in hip problems and has extensive experience in the field of artificial hip joints and alternative treatment methods.

Book your appointment directly online here or call us on +41 44 388 16 16. You are also welcome to come to us for a second opinion.