Abstract
Aim
There is a constant increase of total joint arthroplasties to improve the quality of life of an aging population. Prosthetic-joint infections are rare, with an incidence of 1–2%, but they represent serious complications in terms of morbidity and mortality. Different therapeutic options exist, but the role of the surgeon's experience has never been investigated. The aim of this retrospective study is to assess the infection eradication success rate depending on the involvement of a septic surgeon.
Method
Patients having a prosthetic-joint infection at Lausanne University Hospital (Switzerland) between 2006 and 2018 were included. The success rate depending on type of surgeon (septic vs non-septic) and type of surgical procedure was analyzed.
Results
444 patients (61% hips, 37% knees) were identified with a median age of 70 years. The overall success rate was 83% for septic surgeons compared to 61% for non-septic surgeons (p < 0.05). The effect of the surgeon was predominant in debridement with retention of the prosthesis where the experience could improve the success rate from 43% (non-septic) to 75% (septic) (p < 0.05).
Conclusions
The involvement of a septic surgeon is associated with a significantly higher success rate, suggesting surgical experience is an important factor in treating prosthetic-joint infections.
