In a recent study by Calin Moucha, MD, of Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, evidence showed an increasing trend in infections after hip replacements.
Here are four things to know:
1. Researchers analyzed data from 500,000 patients from across the country between 2003 and 2013.
2. Results showed the number of infections post surgery increased from 13 percent to 16 percent over the study period, meaning while physicians and hospitals are taking steps to improve infection rates there is still room for improvement.
3. The study raises the question of whether or not antibiotics are working. Dr. Moucha and other researchers hope the study prompts hospitals to create new safety protocols.
4. Joint infection often inflates patient costs after surgery, especially after revisions. Also, currently there is a rise in the number of joint replacement performed annually, with many replacements being done as outpatient surgeris.