Prevalence of orthopaedic surgical site infection in Egypt

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) represents a significant complication in orthopedic surgery, contributing to increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. While global incidence rates are documented, the specific burden within Egyptian orthopedic departments remains poorly characterized despite the high volume of internal fixation and arthroplasty procedures.

Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the prevalence of SSIs in orthopedic patients within Egyptian hospitals and identify associated risk factors.

Key Points: A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase through June 2024 identified three eligible studies involving patients from Cairo, Tanta, and Assiut. The pooled analysis revealed a statistically significant SSI incidence ranging from 12.5% to 32.3% (RR = 0.224; 95% CI [0.125, 0.323]; p < 0.05). High heterogeneity (I² = 81.09%) was observed, which resolved (I² = 0%) upon sensitivity analysis. Identified risk factors included male gender, tobacco use, and preoperative soft tissue trauma. The reported incidence in Egypt is notably higher than global averages (2.5%) and pooled rates for other developing nations (5.6%). Methodological limitations included small sample sizes, limited geographic representation, and a lack of standardized post-discharge surveillance.

Conclusion: The prevalence of orthopedic SSI in Egypt is substantial, exceeding regional and global benchmarks. These findings underscore the necessity for standardized perioperative antibiotic protocols and multicenter surveillance programs to mitigate infection rates and improve clinical outcomes in Egyptian orthopedic practice.