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Published on: June 24, 2018
Implant materials and prosthetic joint infection: the battle with the biofilm
Donald J Davidson1,2, David Spratt2, Alexander D Liddle2,3
1Research Department of Orthopaedics and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University College London, London, UK.
Abstract:
Prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is associated with poor clinical outcomes and is expensive to treat.Although uncommon overall (affecting between 0.5% and 2.2% of cases), PJI is one of the most commonly encountered complications of joint replacement and its incidence is increasing, putting a significant burden on healthcare systems.Once established, PJI is extremely difficult to eradicate as bacteria exist in biofilms which protect them from antibiotics and the host immune response.Improved understanding of the microbial pathology in PJI has generated potential new treatment strategies for prevention and eradication of biofilm associated infection including modification of implant surfaces to prevent adhesion of bacteria.Much research is currently ongoing looking at different implant surface coatings and modifications, and although most of this work has not translated into clinical medicine there has been some early clinical success. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2019;4:633-639. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.4.180095.
Insights
Prosthetic joint infections (PJI) are a growing challenge in joint replacement surgery. Research is exploring new implant surface modifications to prevent and treat these difficult-to-eradicate biofilm infections.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Infectious disease
- Biomaterials science
Background:
- Prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a severe complication of joint replacement surgery, leading to poor outcomes and high treatment costs.
- The incidence of PJI is increasing, posing a significant burden on healthcare systems.
- Bacteria in PJI form biofilms, making them resistant to antibiotics and the immune system, thus difficult to eradicate.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of microbial pathology in PJI.
- To explore novel treatment strategies for preventing and eradicating biofilm-associated infections.
- To highlight the potential of modified implant surfaces in combating PJI.
Main Methods:
- Review of current research on prosthetic joint infections and biofilm formation.
- Analysis of emerging strategies for implant surface modification.
- Evaluation of early clinical successes in translating research to practice.
Main Results:
- Understanding microbial pathology in PJI has led to new therapeutic approaches.
- Implant surface modifications are a promising strategy for preventing bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation.
- Early clinical studies show potential for these novel approaches, though widespread clinical adoption is pending.
Conclusions:
- Targeting biofilm formation through implant surface modification offers a promising avenue for PJI prevention and treatment.
- Continued research and clinical translation are crucial for managing this challenging complication of joint replacement.
- Innovative strategies are needed to reduce the incidence and improve the outcomes of prosthetic joint infections.
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