Summary
Surgical site infections are an inherent risk in orthopaedic surgery and many of the
infections that develop are likely to be non-preventable. However, a variety of measures
can be undertaken to reduce the risk and impact of surgical site infections. The development
and implementation of an infection control program, including surgical site infection
surveillance, can be an important tool for patient management. All veterinary practices
should have some form of infection control program in order to address surgical site
infections, among other issues, and to provide the optimal and expected level of care.
Keywords
Surgical site infections - nosocomial - orthopaedic