Patients/Materials & Methods

All primary THAs performed in our institution during 2009–2010 were included, giving 1832 cases in 1716 patients. Cohort demographics were mean age 67.9 years (SD10.2), mean BMI 29.6 (SD5.3), 60% female and 90.2% primary indication of osteoarthritis. Post-operative SSI within one year was identified either through hospital infection control records or from Information Services Division (NHS Scotland). Demographic and peri-operative data for known or suspected risk factors for SSI were collected from clinical records. Groups were compared using independent t-tests and chi-squared tests as appropriate.