Impact of Nutritional Status Before Joint Replacement on Infection Risk

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a serious complication after joint replacement surgery and is difficult to treat. Poor nutritional status may impair the body's ability to recover and fight infection, as well as increase the risk of postoperative problems. The CONUT (Controlling Nutritional Status) score is a nutritional assessment tool that is based on 3 standard blood parameters, serum albumin, total cholesterol and total lymphocyte count. This study is a prospective observational study to investigate the association of preoperative nutritional status as defined by CONUT score and the risk of periprosthetic joint infection in patients undergoing joint arthroplasty. Preoperative nutritional assessment and postoperative follow-up will be performed to detect the occurrence of periprosthetic joint infection. We are studying whether a higher preoperative CONUT score is associated with a higher risk of infection after joint replacement surgery. The findings may help to identify those who are at increased risk of surgical infection and promote better preoperative assessment and patient care."