Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 15, 2026
10:35
Novel Diagnostics in Revision Arthroplasty: Implant Sonication and Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction
Published on: December 3, 2017
Trauma-Related Arthroplasty Is Associated With Earlier and Microbiologically Distinct Periprosthetic Joint Infection:
David Moynan1, Colette O'Connor1, James Woo1
1Department of Infectious Diseases, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
The Journal of Arthroplasty
|July 13, 2026
Summary
Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) after trauma arthroplasty occurs earlier and involves different pathogens than elective PJI. Despite higher early mortality in trauma cases, the overall treatment success rate at 12 months was similar.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a severe complication following arthroplasty.
- Comparative data on PJI following trauma versus elective arthroplasty are limited.
- Understanding differences in timing, microbiology, and outcomes is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the characteristics and outcomes of PJI in trauma versus elective arthroplasty.
- To identify factors influencing treatment success in PJI.
- To inform tailored perioperative management strategies.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study of 203 patients with PJI (41 trauma, 162 elective) over 20 years.
- Data collected via hospital coding and infectious diseases databases.
- Primary outcome: 12-month treatment success ('cure').
Main Results:
- Trauma PJI cases presented earlier (median 12 weeks vs. 56 weeks) with different microbiology (more Gram-negatives, Enterococcus, Candida).
- Six-month mortality was higher in trauma PJI (17% vs. 5%).
- 12-month cure rates did not differ significantly (51% vs. 60%); trauma was not an independent predictor of cure.
Conclusions:
- Trauma-related PJI exhibits a distinct phenotype with earlier onset and unique pathogens.
- Higher early mortality necessitates specific attention in trauma arthroplasty patients.
- Tailored perioperative management strategies are recommended for trauma arthroplasty to improve PJI outcomes.
