ABSTRACT

Infection of a total joint arthroplasty may occur early, by contamination at the time of operation, or late, by haematogenous spread from a distant infected focus. Often, if the infection is primary, more than one organism may be cultured: secondary infection is usually caused by a single organism. The patient’s principal complaint is of persistent pain. Examination may reveal inflammation or swelling around the scar and abscess or sinus formation.