Infection prevention and management in orthopedic surgery.

With all the technological advances made in orthopedic surgery over the years, infection remains the most prevalent postoperative complication. Nationwide figures from the American College of Surgeons demonstrate an infection rate in orthopedic surgery between 5% and 7% for clean cases. The minimum infection rate is 1%. The important principle to remember is that there is no substitute for strict adherence to standard, well-known aseptic surgical techniques for all surgical procedures.