Published online Apr 18, 2023. doi: 10.5312/wjo.v14.i4.240
Peer-review started: November 19, 2022
First decision: February 20, 2023
Revised: February 25, 2023
Accepted: April 6, 2023
Article in press: April 6, 2023
Published online: April 18, 2023
Processing time: 149 Days and 12.9 Hours
Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a critical complication after joint arthroplasty and increases morbidity and mortality. There have been several studies aimed at preventing PJI.
The treatment of PJI is difficult, and patients generally need to undergo more than one major operation and receive antibiotic treatment to annihilate the infection. Therefore, PJI also increases the cost of health services.
In this study the examination of knowledge about and attitudes toward preventing PJI of the orthopedic surgeons who work in Turkey has been aimed by means of a survey study. A good understanding of orthopedic surgeons' knowledge and attitudes about preventing PJI may guide new interventions to prevent PJI.
A web-based 30-question survey was conducted in order to evaluate orthopedic surgeons' knowledge level about PJI and their attitudes towards it.
The knowledge and practices of surgeons regarding the duration of antibiotic treatment and urinary tract infections in prosthesis operations are different in Turkey.
This study has shown that even though orthopedic surgeons have got enough knowledge about preventing and managing PJI, their attitudes might contradict their knowledge.
The knowledge and attitudes of orthopedic surgeons may be different in practice. Future research that examines the causes and solutions concerning the contradictions between orthopedic surgeons' knowledge and attitudes are needed.