American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA) Orthopedic Practice Test 2026 - Free Orthopedic Practice Questions and Study Guide

In orthopedic surgeries, infection at the surgical site is indeed a common complication due to several factors specific to the nature of these procedures. The introduction of surgical instruments and implants, the manipulation of tissues, and sometimes the length of the surgery increase the risk of bacteria entering the surgical area.

The environment in which orthopedic surgeries are performed is typically sterile, but despite all precautions, some bacteria can still colonize the surgical site, leading to infections. These can cause a myriad of complications ranging from prolonged healing, increased pain, and the potential need for additional surgeries to address the infection.

Furthermore, certain risk factors such as the patient's overall health, age, and pre-existing conditions can exacerbate the likelihood of developing an infection post-surgery. Understanding this risk is crucial for both surgical teams and patients in order to take appropriate steps to minimize the chance of such complications occurring.