Our bundle protocol for primary THA and TKA patients is conceptually organized about 3 chronological periods of patient care: preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative. The institutional total joint database and electronic medical record were reviewed to identify all primary THAs and TKAs performed in the 2 years before and following implementation of the bundle. Rates of PJI and readmission were then calculated.
Thirteen of 908 (1.43%) TKAs performed before the bundle became infected compared to only 1 of 890 (0.11%) TKAs performed after bundle implementation (P = .0016). Ten of 641 (1.56%) THAs performed before the bundle became infected, which was not statistically different from the 4 of 675 (0.59%) THAs performed after the bundle that became infected (P = .09).
The bundle protocol we describe significantly reduced PJIs at our institution, which we attribute to patient selection, optimization of modifiable risk factors, and our perioperative protocol. We believe the bundle concept represents a systematic way to improve patient outcomes and increase value in total joint arthroplasty.