Wound Dressings for Hip and Knee Total Joint Arthroplasty
Christopher A. Rothfusz, Ahmed K. Emara, John P. McLaughlin, Robert M. Molloy, Viktor E. Krebs, Nicolás S. Piuzzi
Abstract
»: Dressing choice following lower-extremity total joint arthroplasty has substantial ramifications for postoperative outcomes and should be carefully made to prevent complications such as periprosthetic joint infection. »: Patient risk factors are essential components in the selection of wound dressings in total joint arthroplasty. »: Traditional dressings are inexpensive per unit; nevertheless, the associated higher complication profile in patients at a high risk for poor wound healing and sequelae-associated costs may outweigh the up-front savings. »: Modern dressings have the potential to yield better safety outcomes and increased patient satisfaction; however, there is a paucity of evidence regarding the ideal interactive dressing. »: Active dressings, such as silver-ion dressings and closed-incisional negative-pressure wound therapy, have shown promising results to reduce surgical site and periprosthetic joint infection, especially in patients at a high risk for poor wound healing following hip and knee total joint arthroplasty.