The prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a complication with multiple risk factors described. We propose to analyze if the hour of start time of surgery may be a risk for developing PJI. Materials and methods. We retrospectively analyze known risk factors in patients who underwent implantation of knee or hip arthroplasty in Principe de Asturias Hospital from January 2010 to December 2010 and the time of performance of the surgery. Results. During the study period 362 surgeries were analyzed, of which 19 developed PJI (incidence 5,2%). Logistic regression analysis showed more frequency of PJI incidence in surgeries started between 12 and 14pm (odds ratio [OR] 3,4; confidence interval [CI] 95% 1,1 to 11,3, p=0,04) and less frequent between 8 and 10 am (OR 0,2, CI 95% 0,04 to 0,91, p=0,04). Conclusion. In our study the patients undergoing surgery at the end of the morning had a threefold increased risk of developing PJI, while early surgery was a protective factor.

The prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a complication with multiple risk factors described. We propose to analyze if the hour of start time of surgery may be a risk for developing PJI. Materials and methods. We retrospectively analyze known risk factors in patients who underwent implantation of knee or hip arthroplasty in Principe de Asturias Hospital from January 2010 to December 2010 and the time of performance of the surgery. Results. During the study period 362 surgeries were analyzed, of which 19 developed PJI (incidence 5,2%). Logistic regression analysis showed more frequency of PJI incidence in surgeries started between 12 and 14pm (odds ratio [OR] 3,4; confidence interval [CI] 95% 1,1 to 11,3, p=0,04) and less frequent between 8 and 10 am (OR 0,2, CI 95% 0,04 to 0,91, p=0,04). Conclusion. In our study the patients undergoing surgery at the end of the morning had a threefold increased risk of developing PJI, while early surgery was a protective factor.