[Late hematogenous infection of prosthetic joint]

Abstract

The importance of prevention in late hematogenous infection is well understood but, because responsibility lies with general practitioners and other specialists, the orthopedic surgeon is usually not much interested. In both our and other countries, discussions are taking place on whether and to what extent antibiotic prevention should be carried out. Antibiotic prophylaxis of hematogenous infection is not indicated for all patients with joint arthroplasty, but only for a limited, defined group of patients at high risk. In these, however, the present state of knowledge suggests that prevention is necessary. A preventive treatment of late hematogenous infection is used for a procedure or a disease associated with risks in all the patients involved within two years of prosthetic joint implantation and, after this period, only in immunosuppressed patients. Surgery on the urogenital tract associated with the risk of bacteremia includes prostate gland surgery, operations for urinary bladder tumors, nephrolithotomy, extracorporeal lithotripsy and prostate biopsy. Certain conditions, such as urinary catheter presence, intermittent catheterization, urethral stent presence, urine retention and a history of urinary tract infection or prostate inflammation, pose an increased risk of bacterial colonization for the urogenital system. Dental procedures associated with a risk of bacteremia include tooth extraction, surgery on the parodontium, surgical extraction of an impacted tooth, dental implant treatment, procedures in a tooth's apical region, initial application of an orthodontic apparatus, intraligamentous blocks and also cleaning teeth and implants expected to bleed. Gynecological surgery with a risk of bacteremia are abdominal, vaginal and laparoscopic hysterectomies, surgery for cancer contaminated with vaginal bacteria, reconstruction surgery, operations on the pelvic floor for defects associated with urinary incontinence and use of xenotransplants. In obstetrics, a cesarean section carries some risks. In general surgery, the preventive administration of antibiotics is indicated, apart from situations always requiring antibiotic therapy, also for advanced forms of acute appendicitis, perirectal abscess, invasive endoscopy procedures on the colon, soft tissue phlegmona or abscess, surgical treatment of venous ulceration and pressure sores, and limb amputation. When inserting any piercing in patients with joint replacement at risk, it is recommended to do it with antibiotic administration; also, it is necessary to responsibly treat any inflammatory complication. The system of prevention for the late hematogenous infections of prosthetic joints is not developed as thoroughly as, for instance, it is in cardiology for patients with valve reconstruction. Because of the reasons given above, it is advisable to set up unambiguous guidelines for the prevention of late hematogenous infection in patients with joint replacement.