Periprosthetic joint infection treated via bone cement and without the removal of hardware

Hasan Göçer1, Nevzat Dabak1

  • 1Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey.

Insights

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) treatment can be complex. This study explores a modified approach for PJI, preserving well-fixed implants to mitigate complications like bone loss.

Area of Science:

  • Orthopedic Surgery
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Biomaterials Science

Background:

  • Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) affects 0.5-3% of patients, with risks amplified by age, prior surgeries, and systemic diseases.
  • Standard two-stage revision for PJI can lead to significant complications, including extended surgery time, blood loss, and bone defects.
  • Effective debridement of infected soft tissue and necrotic bone is crucial in all PJI cases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate a modified treatment strategy for PJI involving the retention of well-fixed implants.
  • To present a case study of PJI management in a patient with significant bone defects from recurrent hip arthroplasty revisions.
  • To discuss the feasibility and outcomes of preserving stable components in PJI treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Surgical debridement of infected soft tissue and necrotic bone.
  • Retention of well-fixed prosthetic components.
  • Application of bone cement to cover retained components.
  • Removal of only mobile or infected implant parts.
  • Case presentation and literature review.

Main Results:

  • The modified approach successfully managed PJI in a case with extensive bone defects.
  • Preservation of well-fixed components potentially reduces surgical morbidity and bone loss compared to complete explantation.
  • This strategy warrants further investigation as an alternative to traditional two-stage revision in select PJI cases.

Conclusions:

  • A modified PJI treatment, preserving well-fixed components, can be a viable option, especially in complex cases with bone loss.
  • This approach may mitigate complications associated with complete implant removal.
  • Further research is needed to establish the long-term efficacy and indications for this PJI management strategy.