Classification of prosthetic joint infection and fracture-related infection

Bone and joint infections can present in many ways. It is important to understand the features of the infection which contribute to the complexity of the condition and affect the outcome of treatment for the patient. Classification systems can do this but are often ignored in clinical decision-making and design of research projects. Recent work has better documented the key features of the patient and limb which must be considered when treatment is planned. This paper reviews the available classifications and their application to clinical practice. The Cierny and Mader and JS-BACH classifications offer useful information for stratifying cases and provide evidence-based advice on outcome from treatment for patients. Both have been validated in well-defined patient cohorts.