Excess cost associated with primary hip and knee joint arthroplasty surgical site infections: a driver to support investment in quality improvement strategies to reduce infection rates.

Abstract

There is a significant increase in LOS and cost associated with SSI following primary THA and TKA at Auckland City Hospital. In addition to the excess cost associated with SSI, there are also opportunity costs resulting from their impact on elective surgical waiting lists. This reinforces the significant positive economic impact a successful strategy to reduce SSIs associated with primary joint arthroplasty procedures will have.