[Endodontic biofilms and secondary infection of total hip arthroplasty]

Biofilms are well recognised in different settings. Endodontic biofilms containing bacteria responsible for bacteraemia and secondary infection of total hip arthroplasties (THA) represent a diagnostic challenge because they are often asymptomatic. Their treatment is difficult and inadequate management of such unrecognised sources of systemic infection can lead to the devastating situation of an infected arthroplasty necessitating implant removal, long term antibiotic treatment and secondary implantation of a new prosthesis. Since about ten percent of secondary infected THA can have a dental origin, this article is intended to give guidelines to all intervening care providers: general practitioner, orthopaedic surgeon and dentist.