Infected Arthroplasty Management

Infected Arthroplasty Management

Infected Arthroplasty Management

On this page

Basics & Bugs - Infection Unmasked

  • Periprosthetic Joint Infection (PJI): Infection involving prosthesis & adjacent tissues.
  • Classification (Timing & Source):
    • Early (<3 months post-op): Exogenous (intraoperative contamination).
      • Pathogens: S. aureus (MSSA/MRSA), Gram-negatives.
    • Delayed (3-12 months post-op): Exogenous (low-virulence organisms).
      • Pathogens: CoNS (S. epidermidis), Cutibacterium acnes.
    • Late (>12 months post-op): Hematogenous spread.
      • Pathogens: S. aureus, Streptococci, Gram-negatives.
  • Common Culprits:
    • Overall: Staphylococcus species (both S. aureus & CoNS).
    • Biofilm formation is key to chronicity. Bacteria and immune cells near prosthetic joint

Staphylococcus aureus is the most common pathogen in acute PJI, while Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci (CoNS) like S. epidermidis are more frequent in chronic PJI.

Spotting Trouble - Diagnosis Decoded

Suspect PJI: Persistent pain (esp. rest), fever, warmth, erythema, wound discharge, or sinus tract.

  • Initial Workup:
    • Labs: ↑ ESR (>30 mm/hr), ↑ CRP (>10 mg/L). Serial monitoring vital.
    • Imaging: X-ray (loosening, osteolysis, periosteal reaction).
  • Synovial Fluid Aspiration (CRUCIAL):
    • Cell Count: WBC >3000/µL (hip/knee PJI, chronic).
    • Differential: PMN% >80%.
    • Culture: Aerobic & anaerobic (hold antibiotics).
    • Biomarkers: Alpha-defensin, Leukocyte Esterase (++).
  • MSIS Criteria (2018) for PJI Diagnosis:
    • 1 Major: Sinus tract OR ≥2 positive cultures (identical organism).
    • ≥3 Minor (of 6): ↑ESR/CRP, ↑Synovial WBC, ↑Synovial PMN%, +Histology (>5 PMNs/HPF), +Culture (single), +LE strip/Alpha-defensin.

⭐ Synovial fluid WBC count and PMN% are key components of MSIS criteria for PJI diagnosis.

Fixing the Mess - Surgical Fixes

  • Goal: Eradicate infection, pain relief, function restoration.
  • Factors: Infection timing, organism, implant stability, host, soft tissue.
  • 1. DAIR: (Debridement, Antibiotics, Implant Retention)
    • Acute PJI (<4wks post-op / <3wks symptoms); stable implant; sensitive organism.
  • 2. One-Stage Exchange:
    • Healthy host; known sensitive organism; good soft tissue/bone.
  • 3. Two-Stage Exchange: (⭐ Gold Standard for Chronic PJI)
    • Stage 1: Removal, debridement, antibiotic spacer.
    • Interim: Systemic Abx (4-6wks).
    • Stage 2: Re-implantation post-clearance.

    ⭐ Two-stage exchange is preferred for chronic PJI, especially with resistant organisms or compromised hosts.

  • 4. Resection Arthroplasty: (e.g., Girdlestone - hip)
    • Salvage; low demand; medically unfit; persistent infection.
  • 5. Amputation:
    • Last resort: uncontrolled infection; severe tissue loss.

Drug Power & Defense - Germ Warfare

  • Core Principles: Bactericidal, good penetration. IV then oral switch.
  • Antibiotic Choice (Culture-guided):
    • MSSA: Nafcillin/Cloxacillin, Cefazolin.
    • MRSA/CoNS: Vancomycin, Linezolid, Daptomycin. + Rifampicin (combo).
    • Streptococci: Penicillin G, Ceftriaxone.
    • Gram-negatives: Piperacillin-tazobactam, Cefepime.
  • Duration: 4-6 weeks IV/oral post-surgery. Lifelong suppression if retained.
  • Antibiotic-Loaded Cement Spacers (ALCS): High local antibiotic delivery (Vancomycin, Gentamicin).
  • PJI Prevention:
    • Pre-op: S. aureus decolonization, optimize comorbidities.
    • Intra-op: Prophylactic antibiotics (<60 min pre-incision), strict asepsis.

    ⭐ Rifampicin is key for Staphylococcal PJI (anti-biofilm), always use in combination to prevent resistance.

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • MSIS criteria are key for diagnosing Periprosthetic Joint Infection (PJI).
  • Two-stage exchange arthroplasty remains the gold standard for managing chronic PJI.
  • DAIR (Debridement, Antibiotics, Implant Retention) is suitable for acute early PJI (<4 weeks) with a stable implant.
  • Antibiotic-loaded cement spacers (e.g., Vancomycin, Tobramycin) are vital in two-stage procedures.
  • Prolonged IV antibiotic therapy (typically 4-6 weeks) is essential after surgical intervention.
  • Staphylococcus aureus is the most common causative pathogen in PJI.
Rezzy AI Tutor

Have doubts about this lesson?

Ask Rezzy, our AI tutor, to explain anything you didn't understand

Practice Questions: Infected Arthroplasty Management

Test your understanding with these related questions

Which organism causes prosthetic valve endocarditis within 60 days of surgery?

1 of 5

Flashcards: Infected Arthroplasty Management

1/5

Which muscle is used for girdlestone arthroplasty?_____

TAP TO REVEAL ANSWER

Which muscle is used for girdlestone arthroplasty?_____

Vastus lateralis

browseSpaceflip

Enjoying this lesson?

Get full access to all lessons, practice questions, and more.

Start For Free
Infected Arthroplasty Management - Free Indian Medical PG