Prosthetic joint infection: A major threat to successful total joint arthroplasty

Abstract

Total joint arthroplasty (TJA) is one of the most common and reliable orthopaedic procedures that has significantly improved the quality of life of patients with degenerative joint diseases. Following the increase in the ageing population, availability of trained orthopaedic surgeons and advances in implantation procedures, demand for TJA both globally and in India is significantly increasing. Though TJA is one of the most cost-successful orthopaedic procedures, prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is one of the major complications of joint arthroplasty. Accurate diagnosis of PJI is challenging. Since total hip and knee arthroplasties comprises the majority of TJAs, this review focuses on the current understanding of incidence, risk factors, pathogenesis, causative microorganisms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of PJI related to these two procedures.

Keywords: Biofilm; revision arthroplasty; sonication; total joint arthroplasty.