Can Same-Day Surgery Lower Risk Of Infection in Replaced Knee Joint?

The evolution of minimally invasive techniques has further enhanced surgical outcomes by reducing trauma to surrounding tissues, leading to faster recovery times. 

However, one of the key concerns for patients undergoing knee replacement surgery with minimal invasive, is the risk of catching infection in replaced Knee joint.

Although infection rates in knee replacement surgeries remain low, understanding the risks, prevention strategies, and treatment options is crucial for ensuring successful recovery. 

In this article, we explore the possibility of infection in a replaced knee joint when using a minimally invasive technique and how cutting-edge advancements minimize this risk.

Does the Minimally Invasive Technique Reduce Infection Risk?

Minimally invasive knee replacement techniques have gained popularity due to their ability to reduce tissue damage, accelerate healing, and improve post-operative outcomes. But do these techniques also reduce the risk of infection?

Smaller Incisions and Reduced Exposure

Minimally invasive knee replacement involves smaller incisions (typically 3-4 inches instead of 8-10 inches) and avoids cutting major muscles and tendons. 

This approach significantly reduces the open exposure of the surgical field, thereby lowering the risk of bacterial contamination.

Shorter Surgical Time

With the same day knee replacement surgery, the operative time is often shorter than traditional approaches, which means that  the time the joint is exposed to potential contaminants is decreased.

Less Blood Loss and Lower Trauma

Minimally invasive techniques cause less blood loss and trauma to surrounding tissues, which helps maintain better immune function and enhances the body’s ability to fight off potential infections.

Faster Recovery and Early Mobilization

One of the primary advantages of minimally invasive knee replacement is rapid recovery. Patients can often walk the same day and return home within 24 hours, reducing their exposure to hospital-acquired infections.

However that, infection remains a potential complication, although the risk is generally lower compared to traditional knee replacement techniques.

5 Factors Influencing Infection in Replaced Knee Joint

Here are five key factors influencing the risk of infection in knee replacement surgery:

• Patient Health Conditions

Patients with diabetes, obesity, or a weakened immune system have a higher risk of developing infections.

• Surgical Environment

Strict adherence to sterilization and infection control measures in the operating room significantly reduces the risk of contamination.

• Postoperative Care

Proper wound care, adherence to antibiotics, and regular follow-ups are crucial in preventing infections.

• Pre-existing Infections

Active infections in other parts of the body can increase the risk of bacterial spread to the artificial knee joint.

• Implant Material and Quality

The type and quality of the implant used in the replaced joint can influence infection risk, As high-quality, antimicrobial coated implants may reduce bacterial adhesion and lower the chances of infection and vice versa.

Understanding the Risk of Infection in Replaced Knee Joint

Infections after total knee replacement (TKR) are categorized as either:

• superficial infections (affecting the skin and surrounding tissues).
• deep infections (affecting the implanted joint itself). 

Although superficial infections are generally less severe, they can still lead to complications, such as delaying wound healing, prolonging the recovery process. Additionally, infected areas often become red, swollen, and painful, causing discomfort.

While a deep infection can cause serious complications like implant failure, which can cause instability and require revision surgery, which is a complex, costly procedure and prolonged hospital stays for intravenous antibiotics and additional surgeries. 

In severe cases, the infection can spread into the bloodstream, resulting in life-threatening sepsis. Additionally, pain, swelling, and tissue damage can significantly reduce mobility and overall quality of life.

How Does Dr.Sartawi Prevent Infection In Replaced Knee Joint?

Because preventing infection is a shared responsibility between the patient, surgeon, and healthcare team, Here are some critical steps Dr. Sartawi takes to minimize the risk of catching infection in replaced knee joint:

Preoperative Preparation

Proper preoperative preparation plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of infection, including:

• Medical Optimization by managing Your underlying health conditions (e.g., diabetes, obesity) before surgery.
• Skin Preparation by advising patients to use antiseptic washes before surgery to lower skin bacteria.
• Administering specific types of antibiotics before and after surgery to prevent bacterial infections.

Surgical Aseptic Techniques

Maintaining strict aseptic techniques during surgery is essential for preventing infections. This includes rigorous sterilization of all surgical instruments, implants, and the operating environment to eliminate contamination risks.

Additionally, advanced surgical methods, such as the Modified Intervastus Approach, help minimize tissue disruption and reduce exposure to potential pathogens, further enhancing patient safety.

Postoperative Care and Infection Control

Proper postoperative care plays a vital role in preventing infections and ensuring a smooth recovery, which is done through:

• Moving the joint soon after surgery improves circulation and reduces the risk of infection.
• Keeping the surgical site clean and dry prevents bacteria from entering the wound.
• Follow up to ensure completing prescribed antibiotics.

If you are considering knee replacement surgery and are concerned about infection risks, choosing an experienced surgeon is essential.

read more on life after knee replacement surgery

Take the First Step Toward a Pain-Free Life!

Dr. Muthana Sartawi, the best orthopedic doctor in Dubai, specializes in minimally invasive knee replacement surgery using the Modified Intervastus Approach. This technique preserves muscles and tendons, promotes faster recovery, and minimizes infection risks. As the Director of the Rapid Recovery Joint Replacement Centre at King’s College Hospital London in Dubai Hills, Dr. Sartawi ensures that his patients receive world-class treatment with minimal pain and a faster return to daily activities.Don’t let knee pain limit your life. For appointments, visit King’s College Hospital London – Dubai Hills and take the first step toward a pain-free future!