Knee Replacements & Infections

During a total knee placement, the orthopedic surgeon replaces the bones of your knee joint with plastic and metal components. While knee joint infections are rare, they do occur in less than 2 percent of patients.

Types

• There are two main types of infections associated with knee replacements: superficial infections at the incision site and knee joint infections.

Time Frame

• While surgical site infections are seen only in the immediate post-operative period, knee joint infections can occur whenever bacteria enter the bloodstream and travel to the knee joint. Dental surgery, urinary tract infections, and skin infections may allow organisms to enter your body.

Identification

• A post-op wound infection will make the surgical site look red and swollen, and pus may drain from the wound. If you have a knee joint infection, you'll have a fever (temp over 100 degrees), shaking chills, and/or increasing knee pain both with exercise and at rest. If your wound is still not healed, it may be red and drain pus.

Solution

• Contact your doctor right away if you have signs and symptoms of a knee infection so she can prescribe appropriate antibiotics.

Prevention

• Limit your risk for knee infections by taking antibiotics before and after your knee replacement. You'll also need antibiotics before any dental or surgical procedures for the rest of your life.