| Summary: | We have evaluated the level of evidence related to infection control measures in total hip replacement (arthroplasty) based on relevant systematic reviews and evidence-based guidelines. We included eight systematic reviews. We found no evidence based guidelines on hip arthroplasty, arthroplasty or orthopaedic surgery, but we included one guideline on infection control in general surgery. The following major conclusions were drawn: 1. Systemic prophylaxis with antibiotics may reduce the number of infections in total hip arthroplasty. 2. Closed suction wound drainage probably has no, or very low impact on the number of infections associated with total hip arthroplasty. 3. For minimally invasive surgery, choice of prosthesis, ventilation, clinical pathways, suture versus staples, and reduction of methotrexate, we were unable to conclude regarding infection control in total hip arthroplasty. 4. Based on the included guideline we found no references to studies fo-cusing on infection control and hip arthroplasty. Recommendations on infection control measures in total hip arthroplasty, need to a large extent to rely on transferability of evidence from other patient populations, analysis of results from registries, expert opinions as well as knowledge about causality. New research may alter the conclusions
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