Risk factors for surgical site infections in knee and hip arthroplasty patients.

We performed a retrospective cohort study to identify risk factors for surgical site infection (SSI) in patients with hip and knee arthroplasty in a high-volume orthopedic center with low overall SSI rates. Active smoking and revision arthroplasty both increased the risk for SSI. Former smokers were seen to have a lower SSI risk, demonstrating a potential benefit in implementing mandated smoking secession programs.