Periprosthetic hip and knee infections

Unexplained new pain after total hip or knee arthroplasty should raise concern for infectionPeriprosthetic joint infection complicates 1% to 2% of primary arthroplasties.Risk is highest soon after surgery, but infection can occur years later from hematogenous seeding.Acute periprosthetic joint infection often presents with pain, swelling, erythema, and wound drainage.Indolent infections may present with unexplained joint pain or functional decline alone.Fever is inconsistently present.Persistent wound drainage or delayed postoperative recovery should raise concern for infection.