Management of the Infected Endoprosthesis

Limb salvage surgery has become the primary means of treatment for patients with malignant tumors of the extremities and pelvis. For these patients, endoprostheses have become the principal means to reconstruct the extremity following an oncologic resection because they offer an off-the-shelf-option that is modular, cost effective, and durable. As with other forms of arthroplasty, several modes of failure can occur, with infection being common. Management of an infected endoprosthesis is individualized based on numerous factors that the treating surgeon needs to consider. It is important to provide a framework for the workup and subsequent treatment of patients with an infected endoprosthesis.