[Recommendations for perioperative skin care in total joint arthroplasty: antimicrobial wash lotion, precleaning and hair removal].

INTRODUCTION

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a serious complication in arthroplasty surgery. The preoperative preparation of the skin plays an important role in infection prevention.

METHODOLOGY

A systematic literature review was conducted on the topic of antimicrobial wash lotion, precleaning, and shaving. Existing evidence was summarized by the committee of the German Arthroplasty Society and recommendations were formulated.

RESULTS

By applying a local antiseptic before the operation, the risk of wound infection and PJI can be significantly reduced. This causes a reduction in revision surgery and leads to a shorter average hospital stay. If hair removal is necessary, it is ideally performed shortly before the procedure using an electric clipper. The use of a razor is not recommended.