Phage therapy: A primer for orthopaedic trauma surgeons

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Infectious Diseases
• Microbiology

Background:

• Fracture-related infections (FRI) pose a significant challenge, often requiring prolonged treatment.
• The rise of multi-drug resistant (MDR) pathogens necessitates novel therapeutic strategies.
• Phage therapy (PT) is regaining interest as an alternative to conventional treatments for FRI.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the potential of phage therapy (PT) for treating fracture-related infections (FRI).
• To discuss patient and phage selection, administration protocols, and challenges in PT.
• To explore future perspectives for PT in orthopedic infection management.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing studies and clinical applications of phage therapy.
• Analysis of patient selection criteria and phage characteristics for effective treatment.
• Examination of current and potential administration routes and dosing strategies.

Main Results:

• Phage therapy offers a precise and adaptable treatment option for FRI, particularly for recurrent or antibiotic-resistant cases.
• Optimal patient and phage selection, alongside tailored administration protocols, are crucial for successful PT outcomes.
• Challenges remain in determining optimal application techniques and dosing, highlighting the need for personalized approaches.

Conclusions:

• Phage therapy presents a viable alternative for managing challenging fracture-related infections.
• Further clinical evidence and research into phage engineering and delivery systems are essential to establish PT as a standard treatment.
• Personalized strategies are key to maximizing the efficacy of phage therapy in orthopedic infections.