Molecular Mechanisms of Biofilm Formation on Orthopaedic Implants: Review of the Literature.

Abstract

Orthopaedic implant-associated infections (OIAIs) is one of the most catastrophic complications following joint arthroplasty or fracture fixation. Given the increasing number of orthopaedic implants which are used annually, periprosthetic infections emerge as a global problem. Their diagnosis and consequent therapeutic management remain challenging for clinicians. Biofilm formation is a complex and only partially understood process that has not been extensively studied. Understanding the underlying mechanisms involved in biofilm formation is crucial in the amelioration of both diagnosis and therapeutic management of OIAIs. We performed a literature review of the molecular mechanisms of biofilm formation and discussed the four most common and thoroughly researched microbes of biofilm-related OIAIs.