Following prosthetic joint replacement of the knee, the patient continues to complain of pain and discomfort above what would be expected. There is poor incisional healing. The clinic nurse is concerned when she sees that the incision is still draining after 3 weeks post-op. The nurse suspects a prosthetic joint infection. The nurse should anticipate the physician will prescribe

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Treatment includes the use of antibiotics and selective use of surgical interventions. Antimicrobial agents are usually used prophylactically in persons undergoing bone surgery. For persons with osteomyelitis, early antimicrobial treatment, before there is extensive destruction of bone, produces the best results. Bed rest is not encouraged. The patient may be given NSAIDs for pain, but usually he or she will require a more potent pain killer. Wound irrigations are usually performed in OR rather than at bedside for infected prosthetic joints.

Following Prosthetic Joint Replacement of the Knee, the Patient Continues