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Treatment of infected retained implants
The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. British Volume
|March 2, 2005
Summary
Retaining infected implants and using a standardized antimicrobial protocol can lead to successful outcomes. This approach is effective for patients with short-term infections, stable implants, and susceptible pathogens.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Implant-associated infections pose a significant challenge in orthopedic surgery.
- Standardized treatment protocols are crucial for managing these complex cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of retaining implants and employing a standardized antimicrobial protocol for treating implant-associated infections.
- To assess the long-term outcomes and survival rates of implants managed with this conservative approach.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 24 consecutive patients with implant-associated infections.
- Inclusion criteria: infection duration < 1 year, stable implant, no sinus tract, susceptible pathogen.
- Treatment involved implant retention and a standardized antimicrobial regimen.
Main Results:
- Successful treatment outcomes in 20 out of 24 patients (83%) at a median follow-up of 3.7 years.
- Implant survival probability was 96% at 1 year, 92% at 2 years, and 86% at 3 years.
- Four patients experienced implant failure after a median follow-up of 1.2 years.
Conclusions:
- Retaining implants coupled with a standardized antimicrobial protocol is a viable and successful treatment strategy for specific implant-associated infections.
- This approach offers high implant survival rates, particularly in patients with early-stage infections and susceptible microorganisms.