Infections in orthopedics.

What are the most common causes of infection? Predisposing factors are important to consider when determining what causes infection and who is at risk for infection. Patients who are susceptible or at risk include those with diabetes mellitus, cancer, or recent trauma; those taking steroids; those with recurrent urinary tract infections or sinus infections; those with skin infections or bed sores; those with poor dental care; those who are bacteria carriers; and infants and the elderly. After all of those predisposing factors are taken into account, the most common causes of infection are postoperative or surgical site infections.