Soft-tissue infections (“SSI”) sometimes do not result in serious complications or permanent injuries. On the other hand, periprosthetic joint infections (“PJI”), sometimes called deep joint infections (“DJI”) are much more severe. These types of infections often occur after surgery, such as joint replacement surgery. They can be catastrophic. Sometimes, if a hip or knee replacement was done, the replacement joint must be completely removed. Some patients never regain the abilities they had prior to the infection.
Joint infections may be caused by a number of different bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The infections can also be caused by several different kinds of bacteria all acting together. The typical route of infection is airborne contamination.
Bair Hugger warming blankets were used in over 90% of joint replacement surgeries in recent years. Therefore, if you had joint replacement surgery and then were diagnosed with a serious infection, chances are good that your infection was caused by a Bair Hugger device.
If you have had serious complications or permanent injuries as a result of a joint infection after surgery, you should contact an attorney right away. The Dysart Law Firm, P.C. has over 25 years of experience in products liability and medical malpractice cases like Bair Hugger. We can assess your medical records to determine whether your infection was caused by a defectively designed Bair Hugger device. You could be entitled to an award of money damages.