Postoperative infection rates in podiatric surgical practice: a review of the literature

The purpose of this review is to present an evaluation of the available literature on rates of postoperative infections in podiatric surgery, both in Australia and internationally. It is not the intention of this review to evaluate treatments or interventions associated with infections. Of the literature that does exist, it appears that podiatric surgery carries no greater risk of infection to the patient than other surgical disciplines. Recent studies have shown infection rates to be well within accepted industry standards of 2-13% as stated in a report by the National Strategy to Address Healthcare Associated Infections. However, in Australia, a paucity of literature indicates there is a need for the podiatric surgical community to evaluate and publish audit results. This will help establish the true risks associated with podiatric surgery to the patient in relation to complications, including postoperative infections