Optimizing orthopedic outcomes: the crucial role of preoperative dental assessment in hip and knee arthroplasty- narrative review

Introduction: In the context of orthopedic surgery, particularly knee and hip replacements, the role of dental health often goes unnoticed. This literature review explores the significance of dental clearance prior to knee and hip arthroplasty, highlighting the role of preoperative dental evaluation in reducing the risk of Periprosthetic Joint Infections (PJI). Materials and Methods: The review involved a comprehensive examination of various studies and reports discussing the prevalence of dental pathology in patients requiring joint arthroplasty and the risk factors for PJIs. Additionally, it included the development of a patient selection algorithm and a questionnaire designed to identify individuals at higher risk of dental-related complications. Results and Discussions: This section would discuss the findings of the literature review, particularly focusing on the effectiveness of preoperative dental clearance in mitigating the risks of PJIs. It would also analyze the results obtained from the application of the patient selection algorithm and questionnaire, emphasizing their role in streamlining the preoperative evaluation process. Conclusions: The review concludes by emphasizing the necessity of comprehensive oral health evaluations for patients undergoing hip and knee arthroplasty, especially for those with multiple comorbidities or at higher risk of dental infections. The importance of integrating dental assessments into the perioperative management of joint arthroplasty patients is also highlighted.