Search

It has previously been suspected that patients who undergo extensive dental procedures after having had a total joint arthroplasty (TJA) within the preceding 2 years may be at risk for seeding their TJA with infection if prophylaxis antibiotic coverage is not implemented one hour prior to the dental procedure. A review of the literature was performed to determine whether there may be other infections which may be accountable for TJA infections within the first 2 years following a TJA. Patients with systemic diseases, those who undergo extensive dental procedures, those with bladder or skin infection were found to be at risk for development of a TJA if prophylactic antibiotic therapy was not implemented in a timely manner.

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of a postoperative blood salvage drain and timing of tourniquet release on the maximal hematocrit drop after total knee arthroplasty. Thirty-seven total knees were prospectively randomized into either an early or late tourniquet release group. Hematocrit drop and drainage amounts were recorded. We found no significant difference in maximal hematocrit drop, drainage amounts, or total surgical time between the groups. We conclude that the use of a blood salvage drain should not influence the surgeon's preference on timing of tourniquet release in total knee arthroplasty.