The Cost of Managing Infections with Vincent Masse.

Vincent Massé

FRCSC

Assistant Professor, Université de Montréal

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Marc Swiontkowski

MD, FAOA

Professor, University of Minnesota

Mohit Bhandari

FRCSC, PhD

Distinguished University Professor, Chair of Surgery, McMaster University

This webinar examined the rising burden of revision arthroplasty and the substantial costs driven by surgical-site complications, particularly infection. Evidence presented showed that closed-incisional negative-pressure wound therapy—especially Prevena—offers meaningful reductions in wound complications, reoperations, and readmissions compared with silver dressings, with emerging cost-effectiveness even in lower-risk groups. Although not a treatment for deep infection, negative pressure helps control drainage and protect high-risk revision wounds. The speaker highlighted selective use in complex knees and major hip revisions, integration with irrigation and local antibiotics, and practical challenges around home management and seal integrity.