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Updated: Mar 23, 2026
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Novel Diagnostics in Revision Arthroplasty: Implant Sonication and Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction
Published on: December 3, 2017
11.7K
Propionibacterium prosthetic joint infection: experience from a retrospective database analysis
Anna Rienmüller1,2, Olivier Borens3
1Orthopedic Septic Surgical Unit, Department of Surgery and Anesthesiology, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland. anna.rienmueller@meduniwien.ac.at.
Summary
Propionibacterium prosthetic joint infections (PJI) are increasingly diagnosed, often presenting late with persistent pain. Prompt screening for these low-virulent organisms is crucial for successful treatment and prosthesis survival.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Propionibacterium prosthetic joint infections (PJI) are increasingly recognized due to improved diagnostics and longer prosthesis use.
- Limited data exists on the clinical, microbiological, and treatment aspects of Propionibacterium PJI, potentially leading to underestimation of its significance.
- This study addresses the need for better understanding of Propionibacterium PJI.
Purpose of the Study:
- To retrospectively analyze clinical, microbiological, and treatment outcomes of Propionibacterium spp. prosthetic joint infections.
- To evaluate the diagnostic challenges and treatment efficacy for this specific type of PJI.
- To highlight the importance of considering Propionibacterium in PJI diagnosis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with Propionibacterium PJI between 2000 and 2012.
- Data collection through chart review and patient follow-up visits.
- Evaluation of clinical presentation, microbiological detection methods, and surgical outcomes.
Main Results:
- Fifteen patients with PJI caused by Propionibacterium spp. were included, with a median diagnosis time of 44.2 months post-implantation, often presenting late (>24 months).
- Common symptoms included persistent pain (93%), joint symptoms (53%), and radiological loosening (73%). Organisms were detected via biopsy, sonication, or puncture.
- All patients underwent revision surgery, with a high success rate (93%) achieving infection-free, functional prostheses at a mean follow-up of 16 months.
Conclusions:
- Patients with persistent postoperative pain or implant loosening should be screened for PJI caused by low-virulent organisms like Propionibacterium.
- Early and accurate diagnosis of Propionibacterium PJI is essential for effective management.
- This study underscores the clinical relevance of Propionibacterium in prosthetic joint infections.
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