Overview: Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is the most challenging complication associated with total joint arthroplasty in the 21st century. PJI following total joint arthroplasty is potentially a limb and life-threatening condition, which becomes even more difficult to treat when bacteria form a biofilm on the implant and adjacent tissue. Because traditional irrigation and debridement results in unsatisfactory outcomes, two-stage revision surgery has become the treatment of choice in most institutions in the United States.
Intended Audience: Registered nurses, surgical technologists or other healthcare professionals who want to learn more or need to gain knowledge and skills in periprosthetic joint infection.
Overview: Diabetes is one of the most important and challenging health issues confronting the world that results in increased mortality and decreased quality of life. Diabetic foot infections (DFI) are a main disabling complication in patients with diabetes mellitus (diabetes). An infection that does not heal, even with intensive antibiotic treatment, may necessitate amputation once the tissue of the foot is no longer viable. Understanding the pathophysiology of diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) enhances screening, prevention, and assessment of wounds. Treatment requires a multidisciplinary approach to ensure appropriate wound care, monitoring, and ongoing reassessment to prevent recurrence.
This activity reviews the pathophysiology of diabetic foot infections and highlights associated risk factors. The progression of DFI will be discussed along with key factors for why they may be challenging to manage. Finally, key elements for identifying, diagnosing, preventing, and caring for DFI will be discussed.
Intended Audience: Registered nurses, surgical technologists or other healthcare professionals who want to learn more or need to gain knowledge and skills in management of diabetic foot infections.
Overview: Surgical site infections (SSIs) following spine procedures represent a serious and multifaceted challenge in modern healthcare. These infections not only compromise patient safety and recovery but also impose a significant economic burden on both healthcare systems and payers. Patients affected by SSIs often experience prolonged hospital stays, additional surgeries, and long-term antibiotic treatments. From a financial perspective, the costs associated with treating these infections—ranging from direct medical expenses to indirect costs such as lost productivity and outpatient care—can be substantial, making prevention and early intervention critical priorities. Understanding the risk factors associated with SSIs in spine surgery is essential for effective prevention. Through comprehensive education and adherence to best practices, healthcare providers can mitigate the impact of spinal infections and improve patient outcomes.
Intended Audience: Registered nurses, surgical technologists or other healthcare professionals who want to learn more or needs to gain knowledge and skills in surgical site infections (SSIs) following spine procedures.
Accreditation Information: Your local Biocomposites representative is certified to provide this CE Seminar to your staff through Pfiedler Education, a division of the Association of perioperative Registered Nurses (AORN).
Nurses will receive 2.0 contact hours through the California Board of Registered Nursing, and Surgical technologists will receive 2.0 contact hours through the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) for completing this CE Seminar.
