New developments in diagnosis and treatment of infection in orthopedic implants.
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.
Widmer
A F
AF
Basel University Hospitals, Division of Hospital Epidemiology, Basel, Switzerland. awidmer@uhbs.ch
D006801:Humans; D019736:Prostheses and Implants / Q000382:microbiology*; D016459:Prosthesis-Related Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology*