Safety of Total Joint Arthroplasty Following Treatment of Asymptomatic Dental Infections

Abstract: Prevention of prosthetic joint infections (PJIs) in total joint arthroplasty (TJA) has received significant focus over the past decade. While overt systemic infections are typically screened preoperatively, the oral cavity can be a source of covert, asymptomatic infection, which may contribute to PJI risk. This study aimed to determine the incidence of oral infections in patients undergoing TJA. Abstract: A retrospective review was conducted on 648 consecutive patients who underwent primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) or total hip arthroplasty (THA) between December 2022 and February 2024 at a single center. Inclusion criteria were patients 18 to 90 years old, who underwent primary TJA for osteoarthritis and received dental clearance from a board-certified dentist within 6 months preoperatively. Abstract: = 0.04) were significantly associated with active oral infection. Abstract: Asymptomatic oral infections were found in 4.9% of patients undergoing TJA. The authors suggest a selective approach to dental evaluations based upon patient-specific risk factors. Active dental infections, appropriately managed in the preoperative period, should not preclude patients from timely TJA. Abstract: The level of evidence was III (retrospective cohort).