[Management of prosthetic joint infections]

Infections of prosthetic joints with biofilm-forming pathogens are one of the most devastating complications for patients and surgeons. Although the incidence is low they result in massive restrictions in the quality of life and mobility for patients as well as high costs for the treatment. Crucial for an adequate management of prosthetic joint infections are primarily comprehensive diagnostics to be able to exclude an aseptic loosening and secondarily in the presence of an infection to identify the pathogen responsible for forming the biofilm. The correct grading of the infection is crucial for selecting the appropriate form of infection management. Established standards in surgical treatment as well as in microbiology have be considered.