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DAIR Timing Borderline — SCE Infectious Diseases MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

HardBone & Joint InfectionDAIR Timing BorderlineSCE Infectious Diseases

A stable hip prosthesis develops acute MSSA prosthetic-joint infection 6 weeks after implantation, but symptoms began only 4 days ago and the soft tissues are suitable. Which statement about DAIR is most accurate?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: D — DAIR after urgent assessment by the joint-infection team

The best answer is “DAIR after urgent assessment by the joint-infection team”. DAIR success depends more on short symptom duration, a stable implant, adequate debridement, susceptible organism and healthy soft tissues than on one postoperative calendar threshold. Deep surgical infection needs microbiological diagnosis and source control; retained necrotic tissue or infected prosthetic material limits antimicrobial cure.

Reference: NICE NG125: surgical site infections: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng125/chapter/Recommendations