A commentary on the disparate perspectives of clinical microbiologists and surgeons: ad hoc antimicrobial use.
- O'Connell, Nuala H.
- O'Connor, Ciara
- O'Mahony, Jim
- Lobo, Ronstan
- Hayes, Maria
- Masterson, Eric
- Larvin, Michael
- Coffey, Calvin J.
- Dunne, Colum P.
DOIAbstract
peer-reviewedProsthetic joints and other orthopaedic implants have improved quality of life for patients world-wide and the use of such devices is increasing. However, while infection rates subsequent to associated surgery are relatively low (<3%), the consequences of incidence are considerable, encompassing morbidity (including amputation) and mortality in addition to significant social and economic costs. Emphasis, therefore, has been placed on mitigating microbial risk, with clinical microbiologists and surgeons utilizing rapidly evolving molecular laboratory techniques in detection and diagnosis of infection, which still occurs despite sophisticated patient management. Multidisciplinary approaches are regularly adopted to achiev...