AAOS

AAOS 2025: New infection prevention methods no better than saline in high-risk hip surgery

March 13, 2025

Infection rates over three months showed no significant differences when using various prophylactic measures in high-risk patients after total hip arthroplasty, according to findings shared at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) annual meeting. Researchers concluded that the selection of infection prevention methods can be tailored to the preferences of the surgeon or hospital.

Study details: This multicenter randomized controlled trial evaluated the efficacy of local vancomycin powder, dilute povidone-iodine lavage, or a combination vancomycin povidone-iodine protocol against normal saline irrigation in 821 high-risk total hip arthroplasty patients.

Results: There were no significant differences in rates of persistent wound drainage or dehiscence (P=0.98) nor in rates of cellulitis or abscess (P=0.81) across the four groups. Additionally, 3-month infection rates, types of septic revisions, aseptic revision rates, emergency department visits, and readmissions showed no significant differences among the groups.

Source:

Raymond, HE., et al. “Three-Month Wound Complication and Infection Rates After Vancomycin Powder and Dilute Povidone Iodine Lavage for Infection Prophylaxis in High-Risk Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Multicenter Randomized Control Trial.” AAOS 2025; Abstract 188. https://index.mirasmart.com/AAOS2025/PDFfiles/AAOS2025-004081.PDF