[Therapy of Periprosthetic Shoulder Infection]

There are several therapeutic options for the treatment of periprosthetic joint infections of shoulder arthroplasties. In acute infections, the implant can remain in place with open debridement, septic lavage with antibacterial solutions such as octinedine or polyhexanide solution and exchange of all mobile components. In late infections, the therapeutic options after removal of the infected implant are: permanent spacer, resection arthroplasty, one stage revision and two stage revision with or without a temporary spacer. The functional results are best for one stage revisions, with similar prosthetic survival to two stage revisions. For one stage revisions, the microorganism has to be identified prior to revision surgery, in order to use targeted antibiotics locally in the cement, and systemically.