Optimal Irrigation and Debridement of Infected Total Joint Implants with Chlorhexidine Gluconate

Previous study at our institution demonstrated that scrubbing a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)-coated titanium disk with chlorhexidine gluconate (CG) solution achieved superior biofilm eradication compared to alternative solutions. The current study aimed to identify the minimum CG concentration for effective bacteria eradication of an in vitro periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) model. MRSA colony-forming units (CFUs) were counted following simulated irrigation and debridement with varying CG solutions before and after a 24-hour reincubation period. Significant decrease was noted on all disks before reincubation. Postreincubation, significant decrease in CFUs was found in the 4% and 2% groups. This study demonstrated that I+D of an infected PJI model with 4% CG solution was effective at treating MRSA biofilm at concentrations as low as 2%.