New developments in diagnosis and treatment of infection in orthopedic implants

Clin Infect Dis. 2001 Sep 1:33 Suppl 2:S94-106. doi: 10.1086/321863.

Abstract

Orthopedic implants have revolutionized treatment of bone fractures and noninfectious joint arthritis. Today, the risk for orthopedic device-related infection (ODRI) is <1%-2%. However, the absolute number of patients with infection continuously increases as the number of patients requiring such implants grows. Treatment of ODRIs most frequently includes long-term antimicrobial treatment and removal of the implant. Recent evidence from observational trials and 1 randomized clinical trial indicate that a subset of patients can be successfully treated with retention of the implant. Patients eligible for such a treatment must meet the following criteria: acute infection defined as signs and symptoms lasting <14-28 days, an unambiguous diagnosis based on histopathology and microbiology, a stable implant, and susceptibility of the microorganism to an effective orally available antimicrobial agent.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Prostheses and Implants / microbiology*
  • Prosthesis-Related Infections / diagnosis*
  • Prosthesis-Related Infections / drug therapy*
  • Prosthesis-Related Infections / microbiology
  • Surgical Wound Infection / diagnosis
  • Surgical Wound Infection / drug therapy
  • Surgical Wound Infection / microbiology*