Michael Skutek
Michael Skutek, MD, PhD, Diakovere Annastift, Hannover, Germany
Title: Total hip arthroplasty in obese patients. Prevention of surgical site infections
Biography
Biography: Michael Skutek
Abstract
Statement of the problem: There is an increasing number of both total hip replacement and related SSI, especially in obese and morbidly obese patients. We examined our experience and, in particular, complications associated with total hip arthroplasty in this entity. We prospectively gathered 50 patients in a matched control series including 25 obese and morbidly obese patients. All patients were operated using the direct lateral approach using an iodized foil following skin disinfection and generous irrigation using a water lavage during the procedure. Standard postoperative protocols were applied. Operating room time, incidence of infections as well as other potential complications, dislocations, blood loss, cup position and clinical parameters using the Harris Hip Score and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index results were compared. Although there were some significant differences in clinical outcomes, the applied procedures yielded good overall results and an acceptable rate of complications. Details approaching this patient entity in terms of prevention of surgical site infections are being discussed.