The Lived Experience of Individuals With Prosthetic Joint Infection

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Medical Sociology
• Patient Experience Research

Background:

• Prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a severe complication following total joint arthroplasty.
• PJI presents a survival rate comparable to or worse than certain cancers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the lived experience of patients suffering from prosthetic joint infection.
• To understand the multifaceted impact of PJI on patients' lives.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative descriptive phenomenology design.
• In-depth interviews with twelve participants experiencing PJI.
• Chart review to evaluate surgical outcomes.

Main Results:

• Two primary themes emerged: "The Nail in the Coffin" (loss of independence, identity, financial security) and "Struggle with Living" (pain, burden, uncertainty, emotional distress).
• Half of the participants experienced severe outcomes, including amputation and mortality.
• Life stage and social support influenced patient experiences, affecting gratitude and guilt.

Conclusions:

• The experience of PJI is profoundly shaped by losses in independence and identity, alongside significant pain and emotional burden.
• Social support is a critical factor in navigating the challenges of PJI.
• Age and life stage may influence how individuals cope with and perceive the impact of PJI.