[Diagnosis and treatment of prosthetic hip and knee joint infections]

Successful replacement arthroplasty enhances the patient's functional capacity, alleviates pain and improves the quality of life. Prosthetic joint infection is one of the most dangerous complications following replacement arthroplasty. In cases of suspected prosthetic joint infection it is essential to consult with the prosthetic joint unit and abstain from starting antibiotics before the appropriate microbiological samples. The diagnosis is made on the basis of history, clinical picture, levels of inflammatory markers, synovial fluid cells and microbiological findings. The most common options of surgical treatment are early debridement and replacement of loose parts, and replacement of the prosthesis. Antimicrobial drug therapy will be planned according to the surgical mode of treatment and the causative bacterium.