Effective Treatment of Single-Stage Revision Using Intra-Articular Antibiotic Infusion for Polymicrobial

Yicheng Li1, Xiaogang Zhang1, Xiaobin Guo1

  • 1Department of Orthopaedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China.

Abstract

Insights

Single-stage revision with local antibiotics effectively treats polymicrobial periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), showing similar recurrence rates to monomicrobial PJI. Risk factors for polymicrobial PJI include obesity and prior revisions.

Area of Science:

  • Orthopedic Surgery
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Biomedical Engineering

Background:

  • Polymicrobial periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) presents unique treatment challenges.
  • No prior studies have evaluated single-stage exchange with local antibiotic delivery for polymicrobial PJI.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the efficacy and outcomes of single-stage revision with intra-articular antibiotic infusion for polymicrobial PJI.
  • To compare risk factors, microbiology, and clinical outcomes between polymicrobial and monomicrobial PJI cases.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 126 patients (19 polymicrobial, 107 monomicrobial PJI) undergoing single-stage revision.
  • Comparison of risk factors, infection control rates, and functional scores (Harris Hip Score, HSS knee score).

Main Results:

  • Higher body mass index, sinus tract, and prior revisions were risk factors for polymicrobial PJI.
  • Similar infection recurrence rates between polymicrobial (2/19) and monomicrobial (6/107) PJI.
  • No significant difference in Harris Hip Score; however, polymicrobial PJI showed inferior HSS knee scores.

Conclusions:

  • Single-stage revision with targeted antibiotics is effective for polymicrobial PJI, yielding outcomes comparable to monomicrobial infections.
  • Obesity, sinus tract presence, and prior revisions increase the risk of polymicrobial PJI.
  • Further confirmation is needed for this regimen, especially in complex polymicrobial infections.