Patient Optimization Strategies Prior to Elective Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) following elective total hip and knee arthroplasty remains a devastating complication. PJI is associated with high morbidity and mortality to the patient as well as high expenses to the health care system. Although patient optimization prior to elective arthroplasty has gained notoriety and shown to help prevent complications, surgeons continue to operate on patients who are not optimized for surgery. Lack of optimization has been shown to lead to increased risk of complications and poor outcomes. The surgeon should be vigilant to correct modifiable risk factors prior to elective arthroplasty to help minimize the risk of PJI. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 30(4):207–211, 2021)

Key words: periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), optimization, body mass index (BMI), elective arthroplasty