Does the presence of skin lesions (i.e., boils, grazes, folliculitis, etc.), either in the proximity or distant to the surgical site, predispose patients to surgical site infections/ periprosthetic joint infections (SSIs/PJIs)? If so, is it necessary for patients with these skin lesions to undergo treatment prior to elective total joint arthroplasty (TJA)?

Does the presence of skin lesions (i.e., boils, grazes, folliculitis, etc.), either in the proximity or distant to the surgical site, predispose patients to surgical site infections/ periprosthetic joint infections (SSIs/PJIs)? If so, is it necessary for patients with these skin lesions to undergo treatment prior to elective total joint arthroplasty (TJA)?

AUTHORS: Hao Shen, Peter Thomas, Qiaojie Wang

RECOMMENDATION: The presence of active skin infections, either in the proximity or distant to the surgical site, can potentially increase the risk of SSIs/PJIs in patients undergoing elective TJA. Therefore, surgery should be delayed until these lesions are treated and/or resolved. Placing surgical incisions through eczematous or psoriatic lesions should be avoided as well, whenever possible.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Moderate

DELEGATE VOTE: Agree: 95%, Disagree: 3%, Abstain: 2% (Unanimous, Strongest Consensus)

RATIONALE

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