Aims. Despite numerous studies focusing on periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs), there are no robust data on the risk factors and timing of metachronous infections. Metachronous PJIs are PJIs that can arise in the same or other artificial joints after a period of time, in patients who have previously had PJI. Methods. Between January 2010 and December 2018, 661 patients with multiple joint prostheses in situ were treated for PJI at our institution. Of these, 73 patients (11%) developed a metachronous PJI (periprosthetic infection in patients who have previously had PJI in another joint, after a lag period) after a mean time interval of 49.5 months (SD 30.24; 7 to 82.9). To identify patient-related risk factors for a metachronous PJI, the following parameters were analyzed: sex; age; BMI; and pre-existing comorbidity. Metachronous infections were divided into three groups: Group 1, metachronous infections in ipsilateral joints; Group 2, metachronous infections of the contralateral lower limb; and Group 3, metachronous infections of the lower and upper limb. Results. We identified a total of 73 metachronous PJIs: 32 PJIs in Group 1, 38 in Group 2, and one in Group 3. The rate of metachronous infection was 11% (73 out 661 cases) at a mean of four years following first infection. Diabetes mellitus incidence was found significantly more frequently in the metachronous infection group than in non-metachronous infection group. The rate of infection in Group 1 (21.1%) was significantly higher (p = 0.049) compared to Groups 2 (6.2%) and 3 (3%). The time interval of metachronous infection development was shorter in adjacent joint infections. Concordance between the bacterium of the first PJI and that of the metachronous PJI in Group 1 (21/34) was significantly higher than Group 2 (13/38; p = 0.001). Conclusion. The findings of this study suggest that metachronous PJI occurs in more than one in ten patients with an index PJI. Female patients, diabetic patients, and patients with a polymicrobial index PJI are at significantly higher risk for developing a metachronous PJI. Furthermore, metachronous PJIs are significantly more likely to occur in an adjacent joint (e.g. ipsilateral hip and knee) as opposed to a more remote site (i.e. contralateral or upper vs lower limb). Additionally, adjacent joint PJIs occur significantly earlier and are more likely to be caused by the same bacteria as the index PJI. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(3):294–300

Aims. Gram-negative periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) has been poorly studied despite its rapidly increasing incidence. Treatment with one-stage revision using intra-articular (IA) infusion of antibiotics may offer a reasonable alternative with a distinct advantage of providing a means of delivering the drug in high concentrations. Carbapenems are regarded as the last line of defense against severe Gram-negative or polymicrobial infection. This study presents the results of one-stage revision using intra-articular carbapenem infusion for treating Gram-negative PJI, and analyzes the characteristics of bacteria distribution and drug sensitivity. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed 32 patients (22 hips and 11 knees) who underwent single-stage revision combined with IA carbapenem infusion between November 2013 and March 2020. The IA and intravenous (IV) carbapenem infusions were administered for a single Gram-negative infection, and IV vancomycin combined with IA carbapenems and vancomycin was applied for polymicrobial infection including Gram-negative bacteria. The bacterial community distribution, drug sensitivity, infection control rate, functional recovery, and complications were evaluated. Reinfection or death caused by PJI was regarded as a treatment failure. Results. Gram-negative PJI was mainly caused by Escherichia coli (8/34), Enterobacter cloacae (7/34), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (5/34). Seven cases (7/32) involved polymicrobial PJIs. The resistance rates of penicillin, cephalosporin, quinolones, and sulfonamides were > 10%, and all penicillin and partial cephalosporins (first and second generation) were > 30%. Of 32 cases, treatment failed to eradicate infection in only three cases (9.4%), at a mean follow-up of 55.1 months (SD 25 to 90). The mean postoperative Harris Hip Score and Hospital for Special Surgery knee score at the most recent follow-up were 81 (62 to 91) and 79 (56 to 89), respectively. One patient developed a fistula, and another presented with a local rash on an infected joint. Conclusion. The use of IA carbapenem delivered alongside one-stage revision effectively controlled Gram-negative infection and obtained acceptable clinical outcomes with few complications. Notably, first- and second-generation cephalosporins and penicillin should be administrated with caution, due to a high incidence of resistance. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(3):284–293

Aims. Biopsy of the periprosthetic tissue is an important diagnostic tool for prosthetic joint infection (PJI) as it enables the detection of the responsible microorganism with its sensitivity to antibiotics. We aimed to investigate how often the bacteria identified in the tissue analysis differed between samples obtained from preoperative biopsy and intraoperative revision surgery in cases of late PJI; and whether there was a therapeutic consequence. Methods. A total of 508 patients who required revision surgery of total hip arthroplasty (THA) (n = 231) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA) (n = 277) because of component loosening underwent biopsy before revision surgery. The tissue samples collected at biopsy and during revision surgery were analyzed according to the criteria of the Musculoskeletal Infection Society (MSIS). Results. In total, 178 (113 THA, 65 TKA) were classified as infected. The biopsy procedure had a sensitivity of 93.8%, a specificity of 97.3%, a positive predictive value (PPV) of 94.9%, a negative predictive value (NPV) of 96.7%, and an accuracy of 96.1%. Of the 178 infected patients, 26 showed a difference in the detected bacteria from the biopsy and the revision surgery (14.6%). This difference required a change to antibiotic therapy in only two cases (1.1%). Conclusion. Biopsy is a useful tool to diagnose PJI, but there may be a difference in the detected bacteria between the biopsy and revision surgery. However, this did not affect the choice of antibiotic therapy in most cases, rendering the clinical relevance of this phenomenon as low. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(3):329–335

Aims. The aim of this study was to compare the results of 16S/28S rRNA sequencing with the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP) level, and synovial fluid analysis in the diagnosis of prosthetic joint infection (PJI). Patients and Methods. Between September 2015 and August 2016, 214 consecutive patients were enrolled. In the study population, there were 25 patients with a PJI and 189 controls. Of the PJI patients, 14 (56%) were women, and the mean age at the time of diagnosis was 65 years (38 to 83). The ESR and CRP levels were measured, and synovial fluid specimens were collected prospectively. Synovial fluid was subjected to reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)/sequence analysis targeting the 16S/28S rRNA, and to conventional culture. Laboratory personnel who were blind to the clinical information performed all tests. The diagnosis of PJI was based on the criteria of the Musculoskeletal Infection Society. Results. A total of 25 patients had a confirmed PJI. In 20 cases of monomicrobial PJI, the PCR products could be perfectly matched with the 16S/28S rRNA genes specific for different species of bacteria provided by sequence analysis. Of the five polymicrobial cases of PJI, 16S/28S rRNA PCR sequence analysis failed to identify the concordant bacteria species. In the 189 control patients, there was one false-positive RT-PCR result. The sensitivity and specificity of the molecular diagnosis method were 100% (95% confidence interval (CI) 85.7 to 100) and 99.5% (95% CI 97.1 to 99.9), respectively, whereas the positive and negative predictive values of PCR were 96.1% (95% CI 79.6 to 99.9) and 100% (95% CI 98.1 to 100), respectively. The PCR results were significantly better than serological diagnostic methods (p = 0.004 and p = 0.010 for ESR and CRP, respectively), the synovial fluid white blood cell (WBC) count (p = 0.036), and percentage of polymorphonuclear cells (PMN%) (p = 0.014). Conclusion. Stepwise RT-PCR and sequence analysis of the 16S/28S rRNA carried out under stringent laboratory conditions achieved highly sensitive and specific results for the differentiation between aseptic and septic joints undergoing arthroplasty. Sequence analysis successfully identified bacterial strains in monomicrobial infections but failed to identify molecular targets in polymicrobial infections. Further refinement of the protocols to identify the bacteria in polymicrobial infections is needed. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:1345–51

Aims. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) is useful in the diagnosis of infectious disease. However, while it is highly sensitive at identifying bacteria, it does not provide information on the sensitivity of the organisms to antibiotics. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the results of mNGS can be used to guide optimization of culture methods to improve the sensitivity of culture from intraoperative samples. Methods. Between July 2014 and October 2019, patients with suspected joint infection (JI) from whom synovial fluid (SF) was obtained preoperatively were enrolled. Preoperative aspirated SF was analyzed by conventional microbial culture and mNGS. In addition to samples taken for conventional microbial culture, some samples were taken for intraoperative culture to optimize the culture method according to the preoperative mNGS results. The demographic characteristics, medical history, laboratory examination, mNGS, and culture results of the patients were recorded, and the possibility of the optimized culture methods improving diagnostic efficiency was evaluated. Results. A total of 56 cases were included in this study. There were 35 cases of JI and 21 cases of non-joint infection (NJI). The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of intraoperative microbial culture after optimization of the culture method were 94.29%, 76.19%, and 87.5%, respectively, while those of the conventional microbial culture method were 60%, 80.95%, and 67.86%, respectively. Conclusion. Preoperative aspirated SF detected via mNGS can provide more aetiological information than preoperative culture, which can guide the optimization and improve the sensitivity of intraoperative culture. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(1):39–45

Aims. The aim of this study was to develop a single-layer hybrid organic-inorganic sol-gel coating that is capable of a controlled antibiotic release for cementless hydroxyapatite (HA)-coated titanium orthopaedic prostheses. Methods. Coatings containing gentamicin at a concentration of 1.25% weight/volume (wt/vol), similar to that found in commercially available antibiotic-loaded bone cement, were prepared and tested in the laboratory for: kinetics of antibiotic release; activity against planktonic and biofilm bacterial cultures; biocompatibility with cultured mammalian cells; and physical bonding to the material (n = 3 in all tests). The sol-gel coatings and controls were then tested in vivo in a small animal healing model (four materials tested; n = 6 per material), and applied to the surface of commercially pure HA-coated titanium rods. Results. The coating released gentamicin at > 10 × minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for sensitive staphylococcal strains within one hour thereby potentially giving effective prophylaxis for arthroplasty surgery, and showed > 99% elution of the antibiotic within the coating after 48 hours. There was total eradication of both planktonic bacteria and established bacterial biofilms of a panel of clinically relevant staphylococci. Mesenchymal stem cells adhered to the coated surfaces and differentiated towards osteoblasts, depositing calcium and expressing the bone marker protein, osteopontin. In the in vivo small animal bone healing model, the antibiotic sol-gel coated titanium (Ti)/HA rod led to osseointegration equivalent to that of the conventional HA-coated surface. Conclusion. In this study we report a new sol-gel technology that can release gentamicin from a bioceramic-coated cementless arthroplasty material. In vitro, local gentamicin levels are in excess of what can be achieved by antibiotic-loaded bone cement. In vivo, bone healing in an animal model is not impaired. This, thus, represents a biomaterial modification that may have the potential to protect at-risk patients from implant-related deep infection. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(3):522–529

Aims. The aims of this study were to report the efficacy of revision surgery for patients with co-infective bacterial and fungal prosthetic joint infections (PJIs) presenting to a single institution, and to identify prognostic factors that would guide management. Patients and Methods. A total of 1189 patients with a PJI were managed in our bone infection service between 2006 and 2015; 22 (1.85%) with co-infective bacterial and fungal PJI were included in the study. There were nine women and 13 men, with a mean age at the time of diagnosis of 64.5 years (47 to 83). Their mean BMI was 30.9 kg/m. 2. (24 to 42). We retrospectively reviewed the outcomes of these PJIs, after eight total hip arthroplasties and 14 total knee arthroplasties. The mean clinical follow-up was 4.1 years (1.4 to 8.8). Results. The median number of risk factors for PJI was 5.5 (interquartile range (IQR) 3.25 to 7.25). All seven patients who initially underwent debridement and implant retention (DAIR) had a recurrent infection that led to a staged revision. All 22 patients underwent the first of a two-stage revision. None of the nine patients with negative tissue cultures at the second stage had a recurrent infection. The rate of recurrent infection was significantly higher in the presence of multidrug-resistant bacteria (p = 0.007), a higher C-reactive protein (CRP) at the time of presentation (p = 0.032), and a higher number of co-infective bacterial organisms (p = 0.041). The overall rate of eradication of infection after two and five years was 50% (95% confidence interval (CI) 32.9 to 75.9) and 38.9% (95% CI 22.6 to 67), respectively. Conclusion. The risk of failure to eradicate infection with the requirement of amputation associated with this diagnosis is much higher than in patients with PJI without bacterial and fungal co-infection, and this risk is heightened when the fungal organism is joined by polymicrobial and multidrug-resistant bacterial organisms. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:582–588

Aims

A higher failure rate has been reported in haematogenous periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) compared to non-haematogenous PJI. The reason for this difference is unknown. We investigated the outcome of haematogenous and non-haematogenous PJI to analyze the risk factors for failure in both groups of patients.

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Histology is widely used for diagnosis of persistent infection during reimplantation in two-stage revision hip and knee arthroplasty, although data on its utility remain scarce. Therefore, this study aims to assess the predictive value of permanent sections at reimplantation in relation to reinfection risk, and to compare results of permanent and frozen sections.

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The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the absolute synovial polymorphonuclear neutrophil cell (PMN) count for the diagnosis or exclusion of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) after total hip (THA) or knee arthroplasty (TKA).

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The aim of this study was to evaluate the optimal deep tissue specimen sample number for histopathological analysis in the diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI).

We have assessed the different adhesive properties of some of the most common bacteria associated with periprosthetic joint infection on various types of ultra high molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE). Quantitative in vitro analysis of the adhesion of biofilm producing strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli to physically and chemically characterised standard UHMWPE (PE), vitamin E blended UHMWPE (VE-PE) and oxidised UHMWPE (OX-PE) was performed using a sonication protocol. A significant decreased bacterial adhesion was registered for both strains on VE-PE, in comparison with that observed on PE, within 48 hours of observation (S. aureus p = 0.024 and E. coli p = 0.008). Since Vitamin E reduces bacterial adhesive ability, VE-stabilised UHMWPE could be valuable in joint replacement by presenting excellent mechanical properties, while reducing bacterial adhesiveness. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:497–501

Biofilm-associated infections in wounds or on implants are difficult to treat. Eradication of the bacteria is nearly always impossible, despite the use of specific antibiotics. The bactericidal effects of high-energy extracorporeal shock waves on Staphylococcus aureus have been reported, but the effect of low-energy shock waves on staphylococci and staphylococcal biofilms has not been investigated. In this study, biofilms grown on stainless steel washers were examined by electron microscopy. We tested ten experimental groups with Staph. aureus-coated washers and eight groups with Staph. epidermidis. The biofilm-cultured washers were exposed to low-energy shock waves at 0.16 mJ/mm. 2. for 500 impulses. The washers were then treated with cefuroxime, rifampicin and fosfomycin, both alone and in combination. All tests were carried out in triplicate. Viable cells were counted to determine the bactericidal effect. The control groups of Staph. aureus and Staph. epidermidis revealed a cell count of 6 × 10. 8. colony-forming units/ml. Complete eradication was achieved using the combination of antibiotic therapy (single antibiotic in Staph. aureus, a combination in Staph. epidermidis) and shock wave application (p < 0.01). We conclude that shock waves combined with antibiotics could be tested in an in vitro model of infection

Patient warming significantly decreases the risk of surgical site infection. Recently there have been concerns that forced air warming may interfere with unidirectional airflow, potentially posing an increased risk of infection. Our null hypothesis was that forced air and radiant warming devices do not increase the temperature and the number of particles over the surgical site when compared with no warming device. A forced air warming device was compared with a radiant warming device and no warming device as a control. The temperature and number of particles were measured over the surgical site. The theatre was prepared as for a routine lower-limb arthroplasty operation, and the same volunteer was used throughout the study. Forced air warming resulted in a significant mean increase in the temperature (1.1°C vs 0.4°C, p < 0.0001) and number of particles (1038.2 vs 274.8, p = 0.0087) over the surgical site when compared with radiant warming, which raises concern as bacteria are known to require particles for transport

We have investigated the contaminating bacteria in primary hip arthroplasty and their sensitivity to the prophylactic antibiotics currently in use. Impressions (627) of the gloved hands of the surgical team in 50 total hip arthroplasties were obtained on blood agar. The gloves were changed after draping, at intervals of 20 minutes thereafter, and before using cement. Changes were also undertaken whenever a visible puncture was detected. The culture plates were incubated at 37°C for 48 hours. Isolates were identified and tested for sensitivity to flucloxacillin, which is a recognised indicator of sensitivity to cefuroxime. They were also tested against other agents depending upon their appearance on Gram staining. We found contamination in 57 (9%) impressions and 106 bacterial isolates. Coagulase-negative staphylococci were seen most frequently (68.9%), but we also isolated Micrococcus (12.3%), diphtheroids (9.4%), Staphylococcus aureus (6.6%) and Escherichia coli (0.9%). Of the coagulase-negative staphylococci, only 52.1% were sensitive to flucloxacillin and therefore to cefuroxime. We believe that it is now appropriate to review the relevance of prophylaxis with cefuroxime and to consider the use of other agents

Aims

Fungal and mycobacterial periprosthetic joint infections (PJI) are rare events. Clinicians are wary of missing these diagnoses, often leading to the routine ordering of fungal and mycobacterial cultures on periprosthetic specimens. Our goal was to examine the utility of these cultures and explore a modern bacterial culture technique using bacterial blood culture bottles (BCBs) as an alternative.

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Periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) are among the most devastating complications after joint arthroplasty. There is limited evidence on the efficacy of different antiseptic solutions on reducing biofilm burden. The purpose of the present study was to test the efficacy of different antiseptic solutions against clinically relevant microorganisms in biofilm.

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Calprotectin (CLP) is produced in neutrophils and monocytes and released into body fluids as a result of inflammation or infection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of blood and synovial CLP in the diagnosis of chronic periprosthetic joint infection (PJI).

Aims

The diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) can be difficult. All current diagnostic tests have problems with accuracy and interpretation of results. Many new tests have been proposed, but there is no consensus on the place of many of these in the diagnostic pathway. Previous attempts to develop a definition of PJI have not been universally accepted and there remains no reference standard definition.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the serum level of interleukin 6 (IL-6) could be used to identify the persistence of infection after the first stage of a two-stage revision for periprosthetic joint infection. . Between 2010 and 2011, we prospectively studied 55 patients (23 men, 32 women; mean age 69.5 years; 36 to 86) with a periprosthetic joint infection. Bacteria were identified in two intra-operative tissue samples during re-implantation in 16 patients. These cases were classified as representing persistent infection. To calculate a precise cut-off value which could be used in everyday clinical practice, a 3 x 2 contingency table was constructed and manually defined. We found that a serum IL-6 ≥ 13 pg/mL can be regarded as indicating infection: its positive-predictive value is 90.9%. A serum IL-6 ≤ 8 pg/mL can be regarded as indicating an absence of infection: its negative predictive value is 92.1%. The serum IL-6 level seems to be a reasonable marker for identifying persistent infection after the first stage of a revision joint arthroplasty and before attempting re-implantation. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:71–5