Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 6, 2026
Novel Diagnostics in Revision Arthroplasty: Implant Sonication and Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction
Published on: December 3, 2017
[Postoperative implant-associated osteomyelitis of the shoulder: Hardware-retaining revision concept using temporary
M Schnetzke1, S Aytac, P Herrmann
1Klinik für Unfallchirurgie und Orthopädie, BG Unfallklinik Ludwigshafen, Ludwig-Guttmann-Straße 13, 67071, Ludwigshafen, Deutschland.
Background:
Posttraumatic and postoperative osteomyelitis (PPO) is a subgroup of bone infections with increasing importance. However, to date no standardized reoperation concept exists particularly for patients with PPO of the shoulder region. Therefore the purpose of this study was to evaluate a revision concept including débridement, irrigation, and insertion of temporary drainage with hardware retention until healing.
Patients And Methods:
A total of 31 patients with PPO were included with a proximal humerus fracture (n = 14), clavicle fracture (n = 10), or AC-joint separation (n = 7). In all, 27 of these patients could be followed for > 1 year.
Results:
Hardware retention until fracture or ligament healing could be achieved in > 83%. Six patients required follow-up débridement due to recurrent infections, but then were unremarkable. Clinical outcome showed excellent Constant scores (91.6 ± 2.8).
Conclusion:
A cost-efficient, simple, and successful revision concept for patients with PPO of the shoulder region is described.
