Total hip arthroplasty sepsis. Prevention and diagnosis.

Postoperative deep wound infection following total hip arthroplasty remains a serious and all too frequent complication. Although diagnostic capabilities have improved with the evolution of new imaging and immunologic techniques, the devastating consequences for patients with an early diagnosis cannot yet be aborted. Thus, further emphasis must be placed on prevention of this complication. Although major referral centers have managed to achieve exceptionally low incidences of postoperative sepsis with the prophylactic administration of antimicrobial agents and discipline within the operating room, these advances have not translated into a similar reduction of the national experience. Thus, further investigation and the development of additional techniques must be sought.