Review article
Periprosthetic Infections after Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty – A Review
Goran Vrgoč
orcid.org/0000-0002-4541-4659
; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University Hospital Sveti Duh, Zagreb, Croatia
Mladen Japjec
; Clinic for General Surgery, Department of Traumatology, University Hospital »Merkur«, Zagreb, Croatia
Gordan Gulan
; Clinic for Orthopaedic Surgery »Lovran«, School of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
Jagoda Ravlić-Gulan
; Department of Physiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
Marin Marinović
; Department of Surgery, University Hospital Centre Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
Ante Bandalović
; Clinic for General Surgery, Department of Traumatology, University Hospital Centre Split, Split, Croatia
Abstract
Periprosthetic joint infections (PJI) in orthopedic surgery are considered to be very serious and dangerous complications
of total joint arthroplasty. PJI becomes a long-lasting medical problem and a heavy burden on patient and his
family. Patients with such a complication are a signifi cant fi nancial burden for the health care system. Recognizing this
issue, investing in scientifi c research and simultaneously developing technologies in medicine are efforts taken to increase
successfulness in preventing and treating PJI. Each year the number of total joint arthroplasties increases which entails
a rise in the number of complications among which infections are the leading ones. Sometimes, in the worst case scenarios,
infections can endanger patients’ lives. New procedural algorithms and new diagnostic possibilities help us make
accurate and early diagnoses of postoperative PJI with a great degree of certainty. These diagnostic methods include
laboratory tests, imaging, histopathology and microbiological analyses. Treatment options depend on many factors which
include the onset of symptoms, patients’ general physical condition and type of pathogen. The approach to treating PJI is
complex and it requires a multidisciplinary approach in order to ensure the most successful treatment possible. For adequate
and successful treatment we need to take into account antibiotic therapy, one-stage or two-stage revision, Girdlestone
operation, athrodesis and amputation. In this review we will try to sum up all relevant fi ndings and suggest further
steps in management of PJI.
Keywords
periprosthetic joint infection; total knee arthroplasty; total hip arthroplasty; treatment; antibiotics
Hrčak ID:
147450
URI
Publication date:
26.12.2014.
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