Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) complicates
between 0.5% and 1.2% primary total hip arthroplasties (THAs) and
may have devastating consequences. The traditional assessment of
patients suffering from PJI has involved the serological study of
inflammatory markers and microbiological analysis of samples obtained
from the joint space. Treatment has involved debridement and revision
arthroplasty performed in either one or two stages. We present an update on the burden of PJI, strategies for its
diagnosis and treatment, the challenge of resistant organisms and
the need for definitive evidence to guide the treatment of PJI after
THA. Cite this article:
The contemporary practice of orthopaedic surgery
requires an evidence-based approach to support all medical and surgical
interventions. In this essay, the author expresses a forthright,
personal and somewhat prejudiced appeal to retain the legitimacy
of clinical decision making in conditions that are rare, contain
multiple variables, have a solution that generally works or has
an unpredictable course. Cite this article:
