JOA - 2026-03-23 - Journal Article
Untreated Onychomycosis Prior to Total Joint Arthroplasty is Associated with an Increased Risk of Periprosthetic Joint Infection.
Shen V, Tan D, Pydi R, Ranson R, Sterling R, Martinez JV
Topics
Key Takeaway
Untreated onychomycosis prior to TJA is associated with significantly increased one-year PJI risk (OR 1.57 for TKA reoperation, P=0.013), while treated onychomycosis carries no significant excess risk.
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Summary
This study used a large national database to determine whether onychomycosis diagnosed within one year prior to TKA or THA increases risk of SSI, PJI, and reoperation, with patients stratified by antifungal treatment status. Overall onychomycosis was associated with increased one-year reoperation after TKA (OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.04–1.97) but not with SSI or PJI in the aggregate cohort. Subgroup analysis of untreated onychomycosis showed significantly elevated one-year PJI risk for both TKA and THA (P<0.05), with TKA reoperation OR 1.57 (95% CI 1.10–2.25) and a trend toward significance for THA reoperation (OR 1.53, 95% CI 0.98–2.38).
Key Limitation
The database design precludes verification of treatment completion, antifungal agent used, or mycologic cure, making it impossible to confirm that treatment actually eradicated the fungal source rather than simply reflecting a healthier, more engaged patient population.
Original Abstract
BACKGROUND
Onychomycosis, a fungal infection of the nail, is often perceived as a benign condition. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether onychomycosis is associated with an increased risk of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) in patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty (TJA).
METHODS
Patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA) were identified using a large national database. Control cohorts of patients who did not have a history of onychomycosis were 1:1 propensity score matched to comparison cohorts of patients who had onychomycosis diagnosed within the year prior to their surgery. The comparison cohorts were further stratified by receipt of antifungal treatment. The 90-day surgical site infection (SSI) and one-year PJI and reoperation rates were assessed. There was a total of 7,530 patients who had a history of onychomycosis, of which 4,620 patients underwent TKA, and 2,910 patients underwent THA.
RESULTS
Onychomycosis was associated with increased one-year reoperations [odds ratio (OR): 1.43 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04 to 1.97), P = 0.029], but not with SSI or PJI (P > 0.05) after TKA. There were no significant differences in SSI, PJI, or reoperations (P > 0.05) after THA. Subgroup analyses revealed that patients who have onychomycosis and did not receive treatment had an elevated risk of one-year PJI (both TKA and
THA
P < 0.05), with TKA patients demonstrating higher one-year reoperation rates [OR: 1.57 (95% CI: 1.10 to 2.25), P = 0.013] and THA patients showing a trend towards significance [OR: 1.53 (95% CI: 0.98 to 2.38), P = 0.060].
CONCLUSION
Untreated onychomycosis was associated with a significantly higher risk of one-year PJI in patients undergoing TJA and may represent a modifiable risk factor in the preoperative setting. Future research should evaluate whether treatment of onychomycosis reduces the risk of PJI and reoperations.