Which measures are included in the arthroplasty infection prevention bundle?

• A. Perioperative antibiotics, skin prep, sterile technique, laminar flow, normoglycemia, wound closure protocol, and minimizing theatre traffic.
• B. Postoperative antibiotics only.
• C. No skin prep or sterile technique.
• D. Increasing theatre traffic to expedite turnover.

Answer: (A)

Infection prevention in arthroplasty relies on a coordinated set of proven practices designed to minimize contamination and bacterial load during the operation. The bundle approach works because each element helps reduce risk in a different way, and together they lower the chance of a periprosthetic joint infection. Perioperative antibiotics are given within the appropriate window to blunt microbial invasion at the start of surgery. Skin preparation using an effective antiseptic reduces surface microbes before the incision. Strict sterile technique by the surgical team minimizes introduction of organisms into the wound. Room airflow like laminar flow helps limit airborne contaminants. Maintaining normoglycemia supports better immune function and wound healing in the perioperative period. A wound closure protocol ensures meticulous, layered closure and minimizes dead space and tissue trauma. Finally, minimizing theatre traffic reduces disturbances to the sterile field and airflow, further lowering contamination risk. These components together form the comprehensive strategy recommended for infection prevention.

Postoperative antibiotics alone don’t address intraoperative contamination or other critical steps; skipping skin prep or sterile technique is obviously unsafe; and increasing theatre traffic can raise the risk of infection.