Orthopedic surgery related infections; study of the importance of associated comorbidities in relationship with septic evolution

The current socio-economic development has improved the standard of living of the general population. Technological evolution has led to the use of an increasing number of motor vehicles. Associated with the growing violence observed globally, orthopedic surgery involves frequent use of osteosynthesis materials and prostheses. Therefore, an increasing number of patients live with these implants, having a higher risk, compared to the general population, to develop complications. Although technological developments have increased the quality of life, it must not be forgotten that these foreign materials come with certain risks, the most feared being the associated infections.

We conducted an epidemiological study on infections identified in patients treated in the Orthopedics and Traumatology Department of Bucharest Emergency University Hospital, from 01.01.2016 to 01.06.2019. We were able to extract data about patients without neglecting their confidentiality.

The information sought, primarily involved the pathogen causing the infection, but at the same time we tried to build a more accurate history of each patient in order to determine the cause of infection and the risks posed by various associated pathologies. During these 4 years we were able to identify 139 patients who suffered an infection in the musculoskeletal system. In most cases we identified mono-microbial infections, but there were 7 cases in which two pathogens were identified.