An update on periprosthetic joint infection for UK trainees

Abstract

An infection of any surgically replaced joint represents a complex medical, social, and economic problem. Infection, and the complications therein, can represent a potential significant threat to a patient's limb, life, and livelihood. We explore the role of the microbiome in normal function and implications of dysbiosis in the development of periprosthetic joint infection; and the essential role of early accurate diagnosis and collaboration between surgeons, infectious diseases specialists/microbiologists and allied health teams. The management of prosthetic joint infections should take place in a multidisciplinary team (MDT). Despite the general principles of management outlined in this review, surgical and antimicrobial management is patient-specific, considering the cultured organism and its sensitivities, and the patient's overall health, comorbidities, their function, goals and expectations.