Clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of 2 management strategies for infected total hip arthroplasty in the elderly

Systematic review on oral antibacterial relay therapy for acute staphylococcal prosthetic joint infections treated with debridement, antibiotics and implant retention (DAIR)

BACKGROUND

The management of acute prosthetic joint infections (PJIs) often involves a debridement, antibiotics and implant retention (DAIR) strategy.

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to conduct a systematic review and a network meta-analysis (NMA) to assess the comparative effectiveness of available oral antimicrobial regimens for the treatment of acute staphylococcal PJIs treated with DAIR.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review searching articles from databases creation until 31 December 2023. We included articles on acute staphylococcal PJIs managed with DAIR with an oral antibiotic regimen relaying the initial management. The primary outcome was the remission rate.

RESULTS

Out of the 2421 studies screened, six studies completed the systematic review criteria: one randomized controlled trial and five observational studies. There was heterogeneity in patients' populations, duration and posology of treatments, definition of outcome and length of follow-up. Studies revealed 10 antibiotic regimens and most data focusing on five combinations recommended by the IDSA's guidelines: rifampicin associated to fluoroquinolone, clindamycin, cycline, linezolid or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Treatment comparisons were often secondary, without adjustment for confounding factors, resulting in a high risk of bias. Owing to inconsistencies a complete analysis, including an NMA was not possible.

CONCLUSION

The available data highlight five companions to rifampicin, however, there is insufficient evidence to compare them. The literature does not provide a basis for rationalizing alternatives when rifampicin cannot be used.

In vitro and in vivo assessment of extended duration cathodic voltage-controlled electrical stimulation for treatment of orthopedic implant-associated infections

Effective treatment of orthopedic implant-associated infections (IAIs) remains a clinical challenge. The in vitro and in vivo studies presented herein evaluated the antimicrobial effects of applying cathodic voltage-controlled electrical stimulation (CVCES) to titanium implants inoculated with preformed bacterial biofilms of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The in vitro studies showed that combining vancomycin therapy (500 µg/mL) with application of CVCES at -1.75 V (all voltages are with respect to Ag/AgCl unless otherwise stated) for 24 h resulted in 99.98% reduction in the coupon-associated MRSA colony-forming units (CFUs) (3.38 × 103 vs. 2.14 × 107 CFU/mL, p < 0.001) and a 99.97% reduction in the planktonic CFU (4.04 × 104 vs. 1.26 × 108 CFU/mL, p < 0.001) as compared with the no treatment control samples. The in vivo studies utilized a rodent model of MRSA IAIs and showed a combination of vancomycin therapy (150 mg/kg twice daily) with CVCES of -1.75 V for 24 h had significant reductions in the implant associated CFU (1.42 × 101 vs. 1.2 × 106 CFU/mL, p < 0.003) and bone CFU (5.29 × 101 vs. 4.48 × 106 CFU/mL, p < 0.003) as compared with the untreated control animals. Importantly, the combined 24 h CVCES and antibiotic treatments resulted in no implant-associated MRSA CFU enumerated in 83% of the animals (five out of six animals) and no bone-associated MRSA CFU enumerated in 50% of the animals (three out of six animals). Overall, the outcomes of this study have shown that extended duration CVCES therapy is an effective adjunctive therapy to eradicate IAIs.

A Pilot Study Using a Standardized Method of Measuring Distress Demonstrates Higher Levels in Septic Revisions

Background

Combined Orthopaedic Infectious Disease Clinics facilitate care for prosthetic joint infection (PJI) patients similar to multidisciplinary care in cancer centers. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network developed a standardized distress thermometer (DT) to measure distress in cancer patients. We propose using this tool to assess distress in PJI patients.

Methods

In this pilot study, a retrospective review of patients treated in our combined clinic over 2 years was conducted. In addition to providing information surrounding their treatment, patients completed a questionnaire and DT, adapted with permission from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network. DT scores were compared to a chronologically collected matched aseptic control group.

Results

There were 122 patients in the septic group and 40 patients in the aseptic group. On a scale of 0-10 (10, the highest level of distress), the septic group reported a mean DT score of 6.18 (±3.2), which was significantly higher than the aseptic mean score of 3.33 (±2.06) [P < .0001]. Over 75% of patients in the septic group reported a DT score ≥4, the cutoff used in most cancer centers to warrant additional support. Twenty-one percent of the septic group (26/122) reported extreme distress (defined as a score ≥10) compared to 0/40 of aseptic patients.

Conclusions

Patients treated for PJI experience significantly higher levels of distress compared to aseptic revision patients. More attention is needed to measure and clinically address distress. Improved screening for distress would allow us to provide more comprehensive care and possibly improve compliance, outcomes, and resources available for the treatment of PJI patients.

Outcome of Irrigation and Debridement with Topical Antibiotic Delivery Using Antibiotic-Impregnated Calcium Hydroxyapatite for the Management of Periprosthetic Hip Joint Infection

We assessed the clinical results of irrigation and debridement (I&D) with antibiotic-impregnated calcium hydroxyapatite (CHA) as a novel antibiotic delivery system for the treatment of prosthetic-joint-associated infection (PJI) after total hip arthroplasty (THA). Thirteen patients (14 hips) treated with I&D for PJI after THA at our institution between 1997 and 2017 were retrospectively evaluated. The study group included four men (five hips) and nine women, with an average age of 66.3 years. Four patients (five hips) had symptoms of infection within less than 3 weeks; however, nine patients had symptoms of infection over 3 weeks. All patients received I&D with antibiotic-impregnated CHA in the surrounding bone. In two hips (two cups and one stem), cup and/or stem revision were performed with re-implantation because of implant loosening. In ten patients (11 hips), vancomycin hydrochloride was impregnated in the CHA. The average duration of follow-up was 8.1 years. Four patients included in this study died of other causes, with an average follow-up of 6.7 years. Eleven of thirteen patients (12 of 14 hips) were successfully treated, and no signs of infection were observed at the latest follow-up. In two patients (two hips) for whom treatment failed, infection was successfully treated with two-stage re-implantation. Both patients had diabetes mellitus and symptoms of infection over 3 weeks. Eighty-six percent of patients were successfully treated. No complications were observed with this antibiotic-impregnated CHA. I&D treatment with antibiotic-impregnated CHA produced a higher rate of success in patients with PJI after THA.

Promising applications of D-amino acids in periprosthetic joint infection

Due to the rise in our aging population, a disproportionate demand for total joint arthroplasty (TJA) in the elderly is forecast. Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) represents one of the most challenging complications that can occur following TJA, and as the number of primary and revision TJAs continues to rise, an increasing PJI burden is projected. Despite advances in operating room sterility, antiseptic protocols, and surgical techniques, approaches to prevent and treat PJI remain difficult, primarily due to the formation of microbial biofilms. This difficulty motivates researchers to continue searching for an effective antimicrobial strategy. The dextrorotatory-isoforms of amino acids (D-AAs) are essential components of peptidoglycan within the bacterial cell wall, providing strength and structural integrity in a diverse range of species. Among many tasks, D-AAs regulate cell morphology, spore germination, and bacterial survival, evasion, subversion, and adhesion in the host immune system. When administered exogenously, accumulating data have demonstrated that D-AAs play a pivotal role against bacterial adhesion to abiotic surfaces and subsequent biofilm formation; furthermore, D-AAs have substantial efficacy in promoting biofilm disassembly. This presents D-AAs as promising and novel targets for future therapeutic approaches. Despite their emerging antibacterial efficacy, their role in disrupting PJI biofilm formation, the disassembly of established TJA biofilm, and the host bone tissue response remains largely unexplored. This review aims to examine the role of D-AAs in the context of TJAs. Data to date suggest that D-AA bioengineering may serve as a promising future strategy in the prevention and treatment of PJI.

Treating Hepatitis C Prior to Total Hip Arthroplasty is Cost Effective: A Markov Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Patients infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) have high complication rates following total hip arthroplasty (THA). Advances in HCV therapy now enable clinicians to eradicate the disease, however, its cost effectiveness from an orthopaedic perspective remains to be demonstrated. We sought to conduct a cost effectiveness analysis comparing no therapy to direct acting antiviral therapy (DAA) prior to THA among HCV positive patients.

METHODS

A Markov model was utilized to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of treating HCV with DAA prior to THA. The model was powered with event probabilities, mortality, cost and quality adjusted life-year values for patients with and without HCV that were obtained from the published literature. This included treatment costs, successes of HCV eradication, incidences of superficial or periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), probabilities of utilizing various PJI treatment modalities, PJI treatment success/failures, and mortality rates. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was compared to a willingness-to-pay threshold of $50,000/QALY.

RESULTS

Our Markov model indicates that in comparison to no therapy, DAA prior to THA is cost-effective for HCV positive patients. THA in the setting of no therapy and DAA added 8.06 and 14.39 QALYs at a mean cost of $28,800 and $115,800. The ICER associated with HCV DAA in comparison to no therapy was $13,800/QALY, below the willingness-to-pay threshold of $50,000/QALY.

CONCLUSION

Hepatitis-C treatment with DAA prior to THA is cost-effective at all current drug list prices. Given these findings, strong consideration should be given to treating patients for HCV prior to elective THA.

Systemic Manifestation of Periprosthetic Joint Infection Is Associated With Increased In-Hospital Mortality

Introduction Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is one of the most devastating complications of total joint arthroplasty. Systemic symptoms of infection may indicate a patient who is at a higher risk of serious complications. The goal of this study was to determine if systemic symptoms of infection in the setting of PJI were associated with greater in-hospital mortality. Materials and methods We used our institutional database to identify all patients urgently treated for deep PJI from 2002-2012. Records were reviewed to collect demographics, surgical data, vital signs prior to surgical intervention, blood and intraoperative culture results, preoperative intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, and deaths that occurred during the hospital admission. Patients were classified as having systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) based on the criteria established by the American College of Chest Physicians and the Society of Critical Care Medicine. Results During the 10-year timeframe of our study, 484 patients were treated emergently for deep infection, with 130 (27%) meeting SIRS criteria preoperatively and 31 (6%) of the patients with SIRS having positive blood cultures. Patients with positive blood cultures and SIRS demonstrated a higher in-hospital mortality rate (p < 0.001). Neither SIRS nor SIRS with positive blood cultures were associated with ICU admission. Discussion Occasionally, PJI can spread beyond the affected joint, showing physical symptoms of systemic illness and bacteremia. This study demonstrates that patients with SIRS and positive blood cultures are at an increased risk of in-hospital mortality. These patients should be monitored closely before definitive treatment in order to minimize their mortality risk.

Two-stage revision of infected hip prosthesis after post-operative antibiotic therapy: An observational study

Infection is a major threatening side effect after total hip arthroplasty (THA) that its management is so difficult and is accompanied by different complications. The aim of this study was to determine the outcomes of patients underwent 2-staged THA after a course of antibiotic therapy. It was an observational prospective study performed during 2009 and 2019. We managed 51 patients with infected THA using a method in which antibiotic prophylaxis was performed after THA. We followed the same protocol for treatment of patients included 2-staged revision: in first stage, removal of infected instruments were performed and insertion of a hand-made antibiotic-cement spacer was done until erythrocyte sedimentation rate and CRP were normalized. In second stage, an un-cemented prosthesis was re-implanted in femoral side and post-operative IV antibiotic were administered for a week. Patients were monitored for about 15 months. Data were analyzed. There were 3 patients developed recurrent infection required girdlestone due to the aging. One of them needed to remove implant and 2 other with 3 times of re-infection were treated by antibiotic therapy. Other 10 cases were treated first by re-changing the cement. The rate of successful treatment was 78.4% (40 of 51) after the primary surgery and antibiotic therapy. This rose to 92.1% (47 of 51) following more debridement and antibiotic therapy. The merging of staged surgical debridement, using spacer of cement-antibiotic and re-implant beside 1-week intravenous antibiotic therapy, leaded to appropriate early outcomes in this series.

Cost Drivers in Two-Stage Treatment of Hip Periprosthetic Joint Infection With an Antibiotic Coated Cement Hip Spacer

BACKGROUND

The current gold standard for treating chronic Periprosthetic Joint Infection (PJI) is a 2-stage revision arthroplasty. There has been little investigation into what specific patient and operative factors may be able to predict higher costs of this treatment.

METHODS

An institutional electronic health record database was retrospectively queried for patients who developed a PJI after a total hip arthroplasty, and underwent removal of the prosthesis and implantation of an antibiotic-impregnated articulating hip cement spacer. Patient demographics, surgical variables, hospital readmissions, emergency department visits, and post-operative complications were collected. Total costs were captured through an internal accounting database through 2 years post-operatively. Negative binomial regressions were utilized for multivariable analyses. A total of 55 hips with PJI were available for cost analyses.

RESULTS

A comorbidity index score was associated with a 70% increase (Odds Ratio (OR): 1.7 [1.18-2.5], P = .003) in total costs at 2-years. Illicit drug use was associated with a 70% increase in costs at 1-year post-operatively (OR 1.7 [1.18-2.5], P = .003). Metal-on-poly liners were associated with a 22% decrease in cost at 2-years post-operatively when compared to Cement-on-Bone articulating spacers, and Metal-on-poly -constrained liners accounted for 38% lower costs at 1-year (OR 0.62 [0.44-0.87], P = .004). Use of an intraoperative extended trochanteric osteotomy was associated with a 46 and 61% increase in cost at 1-year (OR 1.46 [1.14-1.89]) and 2-years (OR 1.61 [1.26-2.07], P < .001) post-operatively.

CONCLUSION

Age, comorbidity index score, drug use, and extended trochanteric osteotomy were associated with increased costs of PJI treatment. This may be used to improve reimbursement models and target areas of cost savings.

Economics of Total Hip Arthroplasty: Review

This review article focuses on issues of economic analysis in providing care to patients requiring total hip arthroplasty. A large number of factors affecting the final financial result force us to look at economic research in the field of arthroplasty with a certain degree of criticality. At the same time, the existing financing systems cannot fully take into account all the possible costs arising from total hip arthroplasty. For this reason, studies concerning revision total hip arthroplasty are of particular interest, where treatment costs can vary significantly depending on the etiology and complexity of the case. These differences are reflected in the works of authors from France, Germany and Great Britain, who compared the treatment costs of patients with septic and aseptic revisions. Very different data both between countries and within the same country well demonstrate the need for a critical approach to the results of cost-effectiveness studies, QALYs based on Markov and other models, as the quality of the original data can be highly variable and reproduce the error of the initially incorrect price structure. At the same time, the rapidly increasing number of operations of primary and revision hip arthroplasty and, accordingly, the increasing economic costs of these operations require clear and effective economic criteria for their evaluation. The formation and application of these criteria will be the purpose of further research.

Cost-Effectiveness of Arthroscopic Partial Meniscectomy and Physical Therapy for Degenerative Meniscal Tear

OBJECTIVE

We examined the cost-effectiveness of treatment strategies for concomitant meniscal tear and knee osteoarthritis (OA) involving arthroscopic partial meniscectomy surgery and physical therapy (PT).

METHODS

We used the Osteoarthritis Policy Model, a validated Monte Carlo microsimulation, to compare three strategies, 1) PT-only, 2) immediate surgery, and 3) PT + optional surgery, for participants whose pain persists following initial PT. We modeled a cohort with baseline meniscal tear, OA, and demographics from the Meniscal Tear in Osteoarthritis Research (MeTeOR) trial of arthroscopic partial meniscectomy versus PT. We estimated risks and costs of arthroscopic partial meniscectomy complications and accounted for heightened OA progression post surgery using published data. We estimated surgery use rates and treatment efficacies using MeTeOR data. We considered a 5-year time horizon, discounted costs, and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) 3% per year and conducted sensitivity analyses. We report incremental cost-effectiveness ratios.

RESULTS

Relative to PT-only, PT + optional surgery added 0.0651 QALY and $2,010 over 5 years (incremental cost-effectiveness ratio = $30,900 per QALY). Relative to PT + optional surgery, immediate surgery added 0.0065 QALY and $3080 (incremental cost-effectiveness ratio = $473,800 per QALY). Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were sensitive to optional surgery efficacy in the PT + optional surgery strategy. In the probabilistic sensitivity analysis, PT + optional surgery was cost-effective in 51% of simulations at willingness-to-pay thresholds of both $50,000 per QALY and $100,000 per QALY.

CONCLUSION

First-line arthroscopic partial meniscectomy has a prohibitively high incremental cost-effectiveness ratio. Under base case assumptions, second-line arthroscopic partial meniscectomy offered to participants with persistent pain following initial PT is cost-effective at willingness-to-pay thresholds between $31,000 and $473,000 per QALY. Our analyses suggest that arthroscopic partial meniscectomy can be a high-value treatment option for patients with meniscal tear and OA when performed following an initial PT course and should remain a covered treatment option.

A review of current practices in periprosthetic joint infection debridement and revision arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Periprosthetic joint infection remains a significant challenge for arthroplasty surgeons globally. Over the last few decades, there has been much advancement in terms of treatment and diagnosis, however, the fight rages on. As management of periprosthetic joint infections continues to evolve, it is critical to reflect back on current debridement practices to establish common ground as well as identify areas for future research and improvement. BODY: In order to understand the debridement techniques of periprosthetic joint infections, one must also understand how to diagnose a periprosthetic joint infection. Multiple definitions have been elucidated over the years with no single consensus established but rather sets of criteria. Once a diagnosis has been established the decision of debridement method becomes whether to proceed with single vs two-stage revision based on the probability of infection as well as individual patient factors. After much study, two-stage revision has emerged as the gold standard in the management of periprosthetic infections but single-stage remains prominent with further and further research.

CONCLUSION

Despite decades of data, there is no single treatment algorithm for periprosthetic joint infections and subsequent debridement technique. Our review touches on the goals of debridement while providing a perspective as to diagnosis and the particulars of how intraoperative factors such as intraarticular irrigation can play pivotal roles in infection eradication. By providing a perspective on current debridement practices, we hope to encourage future study and debate on how to address periprosthetic joint infections best.

Debridement, Antibiotics, and Implant Retention Is a Viable Treatment Option for Early Periprosthetic Joint Infection Presenting More Than 4 Weeks After Index Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

The success of debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention (DAIR) in early periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) largely depends on the presence of a mature biofilm. At what time point DAIR should be disrecommended is unknown. This multicenter study evaluated the outcome of DAIR in relation to the time after index arthroplasty.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated PJIs occurring within 90 days after surgery and treated with DAIR. Patients with bacteremia, arthroscopic debridements, and a follow-up <1 year were excluded. Treatment failure was defined as (1) any further surgical procedure related to infection; (2) PJI-related death; or (3) use of long-term suppressive antibiotics.

RESULTS

We included 769 patients. Treatment failure occurred in 294 patients (38%) and was similar between time intervals from index arthroplasty to DAIR: the failure rate for Week 1-2 was 42% (95/226), the rate for Week 3-4 was 38% (143/378), the rate for Week 5-6 was 29% (29/100), and the rate for Week 7-12 was 42% (27/65). An exchange of modular components was performed to a lesser extent in the early post-surgical course compared with the late course (41% vs 63%, respectively; P < .001). The causative microorganisms, comorbidities, and durations of symptoms were comparable between time intervals.

CONCLUSIONS

DAIR is a viable option in patients with early PJI presenting more than 4 weeks after index surgery, as long as DAIR is performed within at least 1 week after the onset of symptoms and modular components can be exchanged.

Presentation and Outcomes of Peri-Prosthetic Joint Infection: A Comparison of Culture-Positive and Culture-Negative Disease

Background: Peri-prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a debilitating and costly complication of joint replacement. Synovial fluid cultures are negative in up to 25% of PJI cases. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical characteristics and outcomes of culture negative and culture positive PJI. Patients and Methods: We conducted a retrospective study including all patients aged 18 and older admitted to a single tertiary-care hospital between 1998 and 2015 diagnosed with PJI and treated with antibiotic agents and surgery. Results: One hundred ninety-six patients with PJI were identified; 48 (24.5%) were culture-negative (CN) and 148 (75.5%) were culture-positive (CP). The groups were similar in age and presence of associated comorbidities. Fever was more common among the CP patients (CN, 23.8%; CP, 38.4%; p = 0.03) as was sepsis defined by Sepsis-2 criteria (CN, 12.8%; CP, 28.7%; p = 0.03). Patients who were CP had higher synovial white blood cell (WBC) count (CN, 30,500 per milliliter; CP, 95,400 per milliliter; p < 0.01), a longer length of stay (CN, 3.8%; CP,7.9%; p = 0.02), and fewer alternative diagnoses established within one year (CN, 25.0%; CP, 2.7%; p < 0.01). Our logistic regression models also found that CP patients had an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 2.59 for rehabilitation placement with 95% confidence interval (CI) of 1.15-5.83 and adjusted OR of 0.04 for an alternative diagnosis within one year with 95% CI, 0.009-0.22 compared with their CN counterparts. Conclusions: This study suggests that patients with CN PJI have less severe disease, better outcomes, and higher rates of alternative diagnoses within one year.

Cost-effectiveness of dental antibiotic prophylaxis in total knee arthroplasty recipients with type II diabetes mellitus

Objective

Type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is prevalent in knee osteoarthritis (OA) patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and increases risk for prosthetic joint infection (PJI). We examined the cost-effectiveness of antibiotic prophylaxis (AP) before dental procedures to reduce PJI in TKA recipients with T2DM.

Design

We used the Osteoarthritis Policy Model, a validated computer simulation of knee OA, to compare two strategies among TKA recipients with T2DM (mean age 68 years, mean BMI 35.4 kg/m2): 1) AP before dental procedures and 2) no AP. Outcomes included quality-adjusted life expectancy (QALE) and lifetime medical costs. We used published efficacy of AP. We report incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) and considered strategies with ICERs below well-accepted willingness-to-pay (WTP) thresholds cost-effective. We conducted sensitivity analyses to examine the robustness of findings to uncertainty in model input parameters. We used a lifetime horizon and healthcare sector perspective.

Results

We found that AP added 1.0 quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) and $66,000 for every 1000 TKA recipients with T2DM, resulting in an ICER of $66,000/QALY. In sensitivity analyses, reduction of the probability of PJI, T2DM-associated risk of infection, or attribution of infections to dental procedures by 50% resulted in ICERs exceeding $100,000/QALY. Probabilistic sensitivity analyses showed that AP was cost-effective in 32% and 58% of scenarios at WTP of $50,000/QALY and $100,000/QALY, respectively.

Conclusions

AP prior to dental procedures is cost-effective for TKA recipients with T2DM. However, the cost-effectiveness of AP depends on the risk of PJI and efficacy of AP in this population.

How should we lengthen post-traumatic limb defects? a systematic review and comparison of motorized lengthening systems, combined internal and external fixation and external fixation alone

PURPOSE

Various external fixation systems for lower extremity long bone deformities have been used to various degrees of success, while newer mechanical lengthening nail (MLN) systems offer the potential for improved patient outcomes. Proponents of MLNs argue that they reduce the number of operations, infectious complications, and improve quality of life; however, the evidence to support these claims is scant. This systematic review aims to evaluate the optimal lengthening system for treating post-traumatic long bone deformity.

METHODS

The systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. PUBMED, EMBASE, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library were searched for comparative studies of lengthening techniques among adult patients with axial deformities. Studies were screened and data extracted in duplicate. Treatment groups were pooled into external fixation (EF) alone, combined internal and external fixation (CIF), and mechanical lengthening nail (MLN). Outcomes were mean lengthening achieved, lengthening index, and reported complications.

RESULTS

Thirteen studies with 725 patients (mean age: 29.6 years, 74% male) were included. Nearly all of the studies were either prospective or retrospective cohort studies (n = 12), with one randomized controlled trial of moderate study quality. The mean limb lengthening achieved, lengthening index, and rate of reoperation were similar among the MLN, EF, and CIF groups.

CONCLUSION

The purported decreased the duration of lengthening and the risk of reoperation associated with MLNs was not demonstrated in this review. Patients with post-traumatic leg length deformities remain a challenging patient population to treat, with intervention being associated with high rates of infectious complications and need for revision operations.

How should we lengthen post-traumatic limb defects? a systematic review and comparison of motorized lengthening systems, combined internal and external fixation and external fixation alone

PURPOSE

Various external fixation systems for lower extremity long bone deformities have been used to various degrees of success, while newer mechanical lengthening nail (MLN) systems offer the potential for improved patient outcomes. Proponents of MLNs argue that they reduce the number of operations, infectious complications, and improve quality of life; however, the evidence to support these claims is scant. This systematic review aims to evaluate the optimal lengthening system for treating post-traumatic long bone deformity.

METHODS

The systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. PUBMED, EMBASE, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library were searched for comparative studies of lengthening techniques among adult patients with axial deformities. Studies were screened and data extracted in duplicate. Treatment groups were pooled into external fixation (EF) alone, combined internal and external fixation (CIF), and mechanical lengthening nail (MLN). Outcomes were mean lengthening achieved, lengthening index, and reported complications.

RESULTS

Thirteen studies with 725 patients (mean age: 29.6 years, 74% male) were included. Nearly all of the studies were either prospective or retrospective cohort studies (n = 12), with one randomized controlled trial of moderate study quality. The mean limb lengthening achieved, lengthening index, and rate of reoperation were similar among the MLN, EF, and CIF groups.

CONCLUSION

The purported decreased the duration of lengthening and the risk of reoperation associated with MLNs was not demonstrated in this review. Patients with post-traumatic leg length deformities remain a challenging patient population to treat, with intervention being associated with high rates of infectious complications and need for revision operations.

How should we lengthen post-traumatic limb defects? a systematic review and comparison of motorized lengthening systems, combined internal and external fixation and external fixation alone

PURPOSE

Various external fixation systems for lower extremity long bone deformities have been used to various degrees of success, while newer mechanical lengthening nail (MLN) systems offer the potential for improved patient outcomes. Proponents of MLNs argue that they reduce the number of operations, infectious complications, and improve quality of life; however, the evidence to support these claims is scant. This systematic review aims to evaluate the optimal lengthening system for treating post-traumatic long bone deformity.

METHODS

The systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. PUBMED, EMBASE, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library were searched for comparative studies of lengthening techniques among adult patients with axial deformities. Studies were screened and data extracted in duplicate. Treatment groups were pooled into external fixation (EF) alone, combined internal and external fixation (CIF), and mechanical lengthening nail (MLN). Outcomes were mean lengthening achieved, lengthening index, and reported complications.

RESULTS

Thirteen studies with 725 patients (mean age: 29.6 years, 74% male) were included. Nearly all of the studies were either prospective or retrospective cohort studies (n = 12), with one randomized controlled trial of moderate study quality. The mean limb lengthening achieved, lengthening index, and rate of reoperation were similar among the MLN, EF, and CIF groups.

CONCLUSION

The purported decreased the duration of lengthening and the risk of reoperation associated with MLNs was not demonstrated in this review. Patients with post-traumatic leg length deformities remain a challenging patient population to treat, with intervention being associated with high rates of infectious complications and need for revision operations.

Oral versus intravenous antibiotics for bone and joint infections: the OVIVA non-inferiority RCT

BACKGROUND

Management of bone and joint infection commonly includes 4-6 weeks of intravenous (IV) antibiotics, but there is little evidence to suggest that oral (PO) therapy results in worse outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether or not PO antibiotics are non-inferior to IV antibiotics in treating bone and joint infection.

DESIGN

Parallel-group, randomised (1 : 1), open-label, non-inferiority trial. The non-inferiority margin was 7.5%.

SETTING

Twenty-six NHS hospitals.

PARTICIPANTS

Adults with a clinical diagnosis of bone, joint or orthopaedic metalware-associated infection who would ordinarily receive at least 6 weeks of antibiotics, and who had received ≤ 7 days of IV therapy from definitive surgery (or start of planned curative treatment in patients managed non-operatively).

INTERVENTIONS

Participants were centrally computer-randomised to PO or IV antibiotics to complete the first 6 weeks of therapy. Follow-on PO therapy was permitted in either arm.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

The primary outcome was the proportion of participants experiencing treatment failure within 1 year. An associated cost-effectiveness evaluation assessed health resource use and quality-of-life data.

RESULTS

Out of 1054 participants (527 in each arm), end-point data were available for 1015 (96.30%) participants. Treatment failure was identified in 141 out of 1015 (13.89%) participants: 74 out of 506 (14.62%) and 67 out of 509 (13.16%) of those participants randomised to IV and PO therapy, respectively. In the intention-to-treat analysis, using multiple imputation to include all participants, the imputed risk difference between PO and IV therapy for definitive treatment failure was -1.38% (90% confidence interval -4.94% to 2.19%), thus meeting the non-inferiority criterion. A complete-case analysis, a per-protocol analysis and sensitivity analyses for missing data each confirmed this result. With the exception of IV catheter complications [49/523 (9.37%) in the IV arm vs. 5/523 (0.96%) in the PO arm)], there was no significant difference between the two arms in the incidence of serious adverse events. PO therapy was highly cost-effective, yielding a saving of £2740 per patient without any significant difference in quality-adjusted life-years between the two arms of the trial.

LIMITATIONS

The OVIVA (Oral Versus IntraVenous Antibiotics) trial was an open-label trial, but bias was limited by assessing all potential end points by a blinded adjudication committee. The population was heterogenous, which facilitated generalisability but limited the statistical power of subgroup analyses. Participants were only followed up for 1 year so differences in late recurrence cannot be excluded.

CONCLUSIONS

PO antibiotic therapy is non-inferior to IV therapy when used during the first 6 weeks in the treatment for bone and joint infection, as assessed by definitive treatment failure within 1 year of randomisation. These findings challenge the current standard of care and provide an opportunity to realise significant benefits for patients, antimicrobial stewardship and the health economy.

FUTURE WORK

Further work is required to define the optimal total duration of therapy for bone and joint infection in the context of specific surgical interventions. Currently, wide variation in clinical practice suggests significant redundancy that likely contributes to the excess and unnecessary use of antibiotics.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN91566927.

FUNDING

This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 23, No. 38. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

Rifampin combination therapy in staphylococcal prosthetic joint infections: a randomized controlled trial

Background

The evidence supporting rifampin combination therapy in prosthetic joint infections (PJI) is limited due to the lack of controlled studies. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of adding rifampin to conventional antimicrobial therapy in early staphylococcal PJIs treated with debridement and retention of the implant (DAIR).

Methods

In this multicenter randomized controlled trial, 99 patients with PJI after hip and knee arthroplasties were enrolled. They were randomly assigned to receive rifampin or not in addition to standard antimicrobial treatment with cloxacillin or vancomycin in case of methicillin resistance. The primary endpoint was no signs of infection after 2 years of follow-up.

Results

Forty-eight patients were included in the final analyses. There were no differences in patient characteristics or comorbidities between the two groups. There was no significant difference in remission rate between the rifampin combination group (17 of 23 (74%)) and the monotherapy group (18 of 25 (72%), relative risk 1.03, 95% confidence interval 0.73 to 1.45, p = 0.88).

Conclusion

This trial has not proven a statistically significant advantage by adding rifampin to standard antibiotic treatment in acute staphylococcal PJIs.

Trial registration

The Regional Ethics Committee and the Norwegian Medicines Agency approved the study (EudraCT 2005-005494-29), and the study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov at Jan 18, 2007 (NCT00423982).

Lower Success Rate of Débridement and Implant Retention in Late Acute versus Early Acute Periprosthetic Joint Infection Caused by Staphylococcus spp. Results from a Matched Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Surgical débridement, antibiotics and implant retention (DAIR) is currently recommended by international guidelines for both early acute (postsurgical) and late acute (hematogenous) periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs). However, due to a different pathogenesis of infection, a different treatment strategy may be needed.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

(1) Compared with early acute PJIs, are late acute PJIs associated with a higher risk of DAIR failure? (2) When stratified by microorganism, is the higher risk of failure in late acute PJI associated with Staphylocococcus aureus infection? (3) When analyzing patients with S. aureus infection, what factors are independently associated with DAIR failure?

METHODS

In this multicenter observational study, early acute and late acute PJIs treated with DAIR were retrospectively evaluated and matched according to treating center, year of diagnosis, and infection-causing microorganism. If multiple matches were available, the early acute PJI diagnosed closest to the late acute PJI was selected. A total of 132 pairs were included. Treatment success was defined as a retained implant during follow-up without the need for antibiotic suppressive therapy.

RESULTS

Late acute PJIs had a lower treatment success (46% [60 of 132]) compared with early acute PJIs (76% [100 of 132]), OR 3.9 [95% CI 2.3 to 6.6]; p < 0.001), but the lower treatment success of late acute PJIs was only observed when caused by Staphylococcus spp (S. aureus: 34% versus 75%; p < 0.001; coagulase-negative staphylococci: 46% versus 88%; p = 0.013, respectively). On multivariable analysis, late acute PJI was the only independent factor associated with an unsuccessful DAIR when caused by S. aureus (OR 4.52 [95% CI 1.79 to 11.41]; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Although DAIR seems to be a successful therapeutic strategy in the management of early acute PJI, its use in late acute PJI should be reconsidered when caused by Staphylococcus spp. Our results advocate the importance of isolating the causative microorganism before surgery.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, therapeutic study.

Effect of urinary tract infection on the risk of prosthetic joint infection: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Urinary tract infection (UTI) are very common in the general population, however it is unclear whether UTI is a risk factor of prosthetic joint infection (PJI). Our purposes were: (1) To determine whether UTI is a risk factor of PJI after joint replacement, and (2) to determine whether the microorganisms causing PJI and UTI are the same.

METHODS

PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, and EMBASE were searched systematically for studies. The effect sizes of RR were calculated for included studies that reported raw counts with 95% CIs. The aim 1 of the study is a meta-analysis; the aim 2 is a systematic review.

RESULTS

The aim 1 indicated that the risk of PJI was significantly higher in the UTI group than in the control group (RR = 3.17; 95% CI, 2.19-4.59). The aim 2 indicated that the microorganisms of UTI and PJI were the same in the same patient, and these included Enterococcus faecalis, and Pseudomonas, which supports the theory of PJI occurring via the haematogenous route from the genitourinary tract that harbours bacteria in UTI.

CONCLUSION

This study identified UTI as being significantly associated with PJI after joint arthroplasty and PJI occurring via the haematogenous route from the genitourinary tract harbouring bacteria in UTI. Therefore, postponing surgery and even treating patients with known UTI preoperatively are recommended.

Perioperative Chlorhexidine Gluconate Wash During Joint Arthroplasty Has Equivalent Periprosthetic Joint Infection Rates in Comparison to Betadine Wash

BACKGROUND

Dilute betadine wash has been used for the prevention of prosthetic joint infection (PJI). Appropriateness for this purpose has recently come into question as the Food and Drug Administration determined that several commercial products did not pass the standards of proper sterility. The goal of this study is to determine if change in our institution's perioperative infection protocol to sterile chlorhexidine gluconate wash affected rates of PJI.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study of prospectively collected data for patients who underwent unilateral primary total knee arthroplasty and total hip arthroplasty. Chart review was performed to determine 90-day and 1-year readmissions and the development of PJI as per the diagnostic criteria of the Musculoskeletal Infection Society.

RESULTS

A total of 2386 consecutive patients were included in this study. There were no significant demographic differences between the 2 groups. There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of PJI requiring a return trip to the operating room between the 2 cohorts: 4 in chlorhexidine vs 7 in betadine at 3 months (P = .61); and 9 in chlorhexidine and 14 in betadine at 1 year (P = .48, respectively). There was also no difference in the rate of wound complications between the betadine and chlorhexidine use (P = .93).

CONCLUSION

When comparing patients who received a betadine wash intraoperatively to those who received a chlorhexidine gluconate wash, there were no statistically significant differences in the rate of postoperative PJIs or return trips to the operating room. Although chlorhexidine gluconate and betadine have equal efficacy in the prevention of PJI, betadine is a far less expensive alternative if their sterility concerns are unwarranted LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III.

Bayesian inversion for a biofilm model including quorum sensing

We propose a mathematical model based on a system of partial differential equations (PDEs) for biofilms. This model describes the time evolution of growth and degradation of biofilms which depend on environmental factors. The proposed model also includes quorum sensing (QS) and describes the cooperation among bacteria when they need to resist against external factors such as antibiotics. The applications include biofilms on teeth and medical implants, in drinking water, cooling water towers, food processing, oil recovery, paper manufacturing, and on ship hulls. We state existence and uniqueness of solutions of the proposed model and implement the mathematical model to discuss numerical simulations of biofilm growth and cooperation. We also determine the unknown parameters of the presented biofilm model by solving the corresponding inverse problem. To this end, we propose Bayesian inversion techniques and the delayed-rejection adaptive-Metropolis (DRAM) algorithm for the simultaneous extraction of multiple parameters from the measurements. These quantities cannot be determined directly from the experiments or from the computational model. Furthermore, we evaluate the presented model by comparing the simulations using the estimated parameter values with the measurement data. The results illustrate a very good agreement between the simulations and the measurements.

Cost-effectiveness of oral versus intravenous antibiotics (OVIVA) in patients with bone and joint infection: evidence from a non-inferiority trial

Background: Bone and joint infections are becoming increasingly common and are usually treated with surgery and a course of intravenous antibiotics. However, there is no evidence to support the superiority of intravenous therapy and there is a growing body of literature showing that oral therapy is effective in treating these infections.Given this lack of evidence the clinical trial ‘Oral Versus Intravenous Antibiotics’ (OVIVA) was designed to assess the clinical and cost-effectiveness of intravenous versus oral antibiotics for the treatment of bone and joint infections, using a non-inferiority design. Clinical results from the trial indicate that oral antibiotics are non-inferior to intravenous antibiotics. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of intravenous compared to oral antibiotics for treating bone and joint infections, using data from OVIVA. Methods: A cost-utility analysis was carried out, the main economic outcome measure was the quality adjusted life-year, measured using the EQ-5D-3L questionnaire, combined with costs to estimate cost-effectiveness over 12-months follow-up. Results: Results show that costs were significantly lower in the oral arm compared to the intravenous arm, a difference of £2,740 (95% confidence interval £1,488 to £3,992). Results of four sensitivity analyses were consistent with the base-case results. QALYs were marginally higher in the oral arm, however this difference was not statistically significant; -0.007 (95% confidence interval -0.045 to 0.031). Conclusions: Treating patients with bone and joint infections for the first six weeks of therapy with oral antibiotics is both less costly and does not result in detectable differences in quality of life compared to treatment with intravenous antibiotics. Adopting a practice of treating bone and joint infections with oral antibiotics early in the course of therapy could potentially save the UK National Health Service over £17 million annually.

Timing of implant-removal in late acute periprosthetic joint infection: A multicenter observational study

OBJECTIVES

We evaluated the treatment outcome in late acute (LA) periprosthetic joint infections (PJI) treated with debridement and implant retention (DAIR) versus implant removal.

METHODS

In a large multicenter study, LA PJIs of the hip and knee were retrospectively evaluated. Failure was defined as: PJI related death, prosthesis removal or the need for suppressive antibiotic therapy. LA PJI was defined as acute symptoms <3 weeks in patients more than 3 months after the index surgery and with a history of normal joint function.

RESULTS

445 patients were included, comprising 340 cases treated with DAIR and 105 cases treated with implant removal (19% one-stage revision (n = 20), 74.3% two-stage revision (n = 78) and 6.7% definitive implant removal (n = 7). Overall failure in patients treated with DAIR was 45.0% (153/340) compared to 24.8% (26/105) for implant removal (p < 0.001). Difference in failure rate remained after 1:1 propensity-score matching. A preoperative CRIME80-score ≥3 (OR 2.9), PJI caused by S. aureus (OR 1.8) and implant retention (OR 3.1) were independent predictors for failure in the multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSION

DAIR is a viable surgical treatment for most patients with LA PJI, but implant removal should be considered in a subset of patients, especially in those with a CRIME80-score ≥3.

Cost-effectiveness of oral versus intravenous antibiotics (OVIVA) in patients with bone and joint infection: evidence from a non-inferiority trial

Background: Bone and joint infections are becoming increasingly common and are usually treated with surgery and a course of intravenous antibiotics. However, there is no evidence to support the superiority of intravenous therapy and there is a growing body of literature showing that oral therapy is effective in treating these infections.Given this lack of evidence the clinical trial 'Oral Versus Intravenous Antibiotics' (OVIVA) was designed to assess the clinical and cost-effectiveness of intravenous versus oral antibiotics for the treatment of bone and joint infections, using a non-inferiority design. Clinical results from the trial indicate that oral antibiotics are non-inferior to intravenous antibiotics. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of intravenous compared to oral antibiotics for treating bone and joint infections, using data from OVIVA. Methods: A cost-utility analysis was carried out, the main economic outcome measure was the quality adjusted life-year, measured using the EQ-5D-3L questionnaire, combined with costs to estimate cost-effectiveness over 12-months follow-up. Results: Results show that costs were significantly lower in the oral arm compared to the intravenous arm, a difference of £2,740 (95% confidence interval £1,488 to £3,992). Results of four sensitivity analyses were consistent with the base-case results. QALYs were marginally higher in the oral arm, however this difference was not statistically significant; -0.007 (95% confidence interval -0.045 to 0.031). Conclusions: Treating patients with bone and joint infections for the first six weeks of therapy with oral antibiotics is both less costly and does not result in detectable differences in quality of life compared to treatment with intravenous antibiotics. Adopting a practice of treating bone and joint infections with oral antibiotics early in the course of therapy could potentially save the UK National Health Service over £17 million annually.

Cost-effectiveness of oral versus intravenous antibiotics (OVIVA) in patients with bone and joint infection: evidence from a non-inferiority trial

Background: Bone and joint infections are becoming increasingly common and are usually treated with surgery and a course of intravenous antibiotics. However, there is no evidence to support the superiority of intravenous therapy and there is a growing body of literature showing that oral therapy is effective in treating these infections. Given this lack of evidence the clinical trial ‘Oral Versus Intravenous Antibiotics’ (OVIVA) was designed to assess the clinical and cost-effectiveness of intravenous versus oral antibiotics for the treatment of bone and joint infections, using a non-inferiority design. Clinical results from the trial indicate that oral antibiotics are non-inferior to intravenous antibiotics. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of intravenous compared to oral antibiotics for treating bone and joint infections, using data from OVIVA.

Methods: A cost-utility analysis was carried out, the main economic outcome measure was the quality adjusted life-year, measured using the EQ-5D-3L questionnaire, combined with costs to estimate cost-effectiveness over 12-months follow-up.

Results: Results show that costs were significantly lower in the oral arm compared to the intravenous arm, a difference of £2,740 (95% confidence interval £1,488 to £3,992). Results of four sensitivity analyses were consistent with the base-case results. QALYs were marginally higher in the oral arm, however this difference was not statistically significant; -0.007 (95% confidence interval -0.045 to 0.031).

Conclusions: Treating patients with bone and joint infections for the first six weeks of therapy with oral antibiotics is both less costly and does not result in detectable differences in quality of life compared to treatment with intravenous antibiotics. Adopting a practice of treating bone and joint infections with oral antibiotics early in the course of therapy could potentially save the UK National Health Service over £17 million annually.

Cost-effectiveness of oral versus intravenous antibiotics (OVIVA) in patients with bone and joint infection: evidence from a non-inferiority trial

Background: Bone and joint infections are becoming increasingly common and are usually treated with surgery and a course of intravenous antibiotics. However, there is no evidence to support the superiority of intravenous therapy and there is a growing body of literature showing that oral therapy is effective in treating these infections.Given this lack of evidence the clinical trial 'Oral Versus Intravenous Antibiotics' (OVIVA) was designed to assess the clinical and cost-effectiveness of intravenous versus oral antibiotics for the treatment of bone and joint infections, using a non-inferiority design. Clinical results from the trial indicate that oral antibiotics are non-inferior to intravenous antibiotics. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of intravenous compared to oral antibiotics for treating bone and joint infections, using data from OVIVA. Methods: A cost-utility analysis was carried out, the main economic outcome measure was the quality adjusted life-year, measured using the EQ-5D-3L questionnaire, combined with costs to estimate cost-effectiveness over 12-months follow-up. Results: Results show that costs were significantly lower in the oral arm compared to the intravenous arm, a difference of £2,740 (95% confidence interval £1,488 to £3,992). Results of four sensitivity analyses were consistent with the base-case results. QALYs were marginally higher in the oral arm, however this difference was not statistically significant; -0.007 (95% confidence interval -0.045 to 0.031). Conclusions: Treating patients with bone and joint infections for the first six weeks of therapy with oral antibiotics is both less costly and does not result in detectable differences in quality of life compared to treatment with intravenous antibiotics. Adopting a practice of treating bone and joint infections with oral antibiotics early in the course of therapy could potentially save the UK National Health Service over £17 million annually.

Polymicrobial Infections in Hip Arthroplasty: Lower Treatment Success Rate, Increased Surgery, and Longer Hospitalization

BACKGROUND

Polymicrobial hip arthroplasty infections are a subset of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) with distinct challenges representing 10%-47% of PJI.

METHODS

Records were reviewed from all PJIs involving partial or total hip arthroplasty with positive hip cultures between 2005 and 2015 in order to determine baseline characteristics and outcomes including treatment success, surgeries for infection, and days in hospital for infection. Analysis was restricted to patients who had at least 2 years of follow-up after their final surgery or hospitalization for infection. Factors with P-value less than .05 in univariate outcomes analysis were included in multivariable models.

RESULTS

After multivariable analysis, 28 of 95 hip arthroplasty PJIs which were polymicrobial were associated with significantly lower treatment success, more surgery, and longer hospitalizations compared to PJIs which were not polymicrobial. Patients diagnosed with polymicrobial infection later in treatment (4 of 28) had the lowest treatment success rate, underwent the most surgery, and spent the longest time in hospital.

CONCLUSION

Polymicrobial periprosthetic hip infection is a particularly devastating complication of hip arthroplasty associated with decreased likelihood of treatment success, increased surgery for infection, and greater time in hospital. Patients with late polymicrobial infection had the worst outcomes. This investigation further characterizes the natural history of periprosthetic hip infections with more than one infectious organism. Patients who present with a subsequent polymicrobial infection should be educated that they have a particularly difficult treatment course and treatment success may not be possible.

[Clinical research of debridement with prosthesis retention for periprosthetic joint infection after arthroplasty]

Objective

To investigate the mid-term effectiveness of debridement with prosthesis retention for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) after total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA), and analyze the influence factors that affected the effectiveness.

Methods

A clinical data of 45 cases with PJI after THA (16 cases) and TKA (29 cases) that were treated with debridement with prosthesis retention between January 2011 and January 2015 were collected and analyzed. There were 19 males and 26 females with a mean age of 58.4 years (range, 23-78 years). PJI occurred after primary joint arthroplasty in 40 cases and after revision in 5 cases. The mean time interval between the performance of infection symptoms and the arthroplasty or revision was 15.5 months (range, 0.5-72.0 months). The time interval between the performance of infection symptoms and debridment was 35 days (range, 3-270 days). There were early postoperative infections in 13 cases, acute hematogenous infections in 24 cases, and late chronic infections in 8 cases. X-ray films showed that the location of prosthesis was good. The results of bacilli culture showed that 28 cases were positive and 17 were negative. Twelve cases had sinuses. Length of stay, Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score, and Harris score were recorded to evaluate risk factors by using a multivariate logistic regression.

Results

The mean length of stay was 22.6 days (range, 5-79 days). All patients were followed up 24-74 months (mean, 52 months). There were 33 cases that retained the prosthesis without further evidence of infection with the success rate was 73.3%. There were significant differences in Harris score and HSS score between pre- and post-operation ( P<0.05). The univariate analysis results showed that the failure of debridement with prosthesis retention had a significant correlation with sinus developing and duration of infection symptoms more than 14 days ( P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis results showed that sinus developing was an independent risk factor of failure ( P<0.05).

Conclusion

Debridement with prosthesis retention plays an important role in treating PJI after THA and TKA. These patients with sinus performing and duration of infection symptoms more than 14 days have higher risk to develop infection again.

Cost-Effectiveness of Operative Versus Nonoperative Treatment of Displaced Midshaft Clavicle Fractures: A Decision Analysis

BACKGROUND

While previous studies have shown higher union rates and a quicker return to work with operative treatment of substantially displaced clavicle fractures, there is disagreement whether operative treatment results in improved clinical outcomes. Patients who undergo operative treatment sometimes require additional surgery for implant removal. Nonoperative treatment may fail so that delayed surgical intervention is ultimately required. The duration for which the clinical benefits of operative treatment remain superior to those of nonoperative treatment has not been well established in the literature. Considering these uncertainties, surgeons are faced with a difficult decision regarding whether operative treatment of a midshaft clavicle fracture will be cost-effective. The purpose of this study was to identify the most cost-effective strategy by considering these uncertain parameters with use of decision-analysis techniques.

METHODS

An expected-value decision tree was built to estimate the quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and costs for operative and nonoperative treatment of substantially displaced midshaft clavicle fractures. Values for parameters in the decision model were derived from the literature. Medical costs were obtained from the Medicare database. A Markov model was used to calculate the QALYs for the duration of life expectancy. The decision model was used to analyze the duration for which the clinical results of operative treatment were superior to those of nonoperative treatment during the first 5 years after the operation and during a lifetime. Sensitivity analysis was performed to determine which parameters have the most influence on cost-effectiveness.

RESULTS

Operative treatment was more cost-effective than nonoperative treatment in 54% and 68% of the Monte Carlo trials in the 5-year and lifetime analyses, respectively. The cost per QALY with operative management was <$38,000 and <$8,000 in the 5-year and lifetime analyses, respectively. This is below the willingness-to-pay threshold of $50,000 per QALY. For operative treatment to remain cost-effective, its clinical benefits must persist for at least 3 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Operative treatment is more cost-effective than nonoperative treatment for substantially displaced midshaft clavicle fractures. The clinical benefits derived with operative treatment must persist for at least 3 years for operative treatment to remain cost-effective. This research should not be used to conclude that all clavicle fractures should be treated surgically. It is best that such a decision is made through a patient-surgeon shared decision-making process.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Economic and Decision Analysis Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Irrigation and debridement with chronic antibiotic suppression for the management of infected total knee arthroplasty

Aims

The results of irrigation and debridement with component retention (IDCR) in the treatment of acutely infected total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) have been variable. The aim of this study was to assess the outcome after IDCR when combined with chronic antibiotic suppression. We also evaluated survivorship free from subsequent infection, removal of the components, and death, as well as the risk factors for failure.

Patients and Methods

This was a single-centre retrospective review of 134 infected primary TKAs that were treated with IDCR. Infections within four weeks of the procedure were defined as acute postoperative infections, and those occurring more than four weeks after the procedure with symptoms for less than three weeks were defined as acute haematogenous infections. Patients were treated with intravenous antibiotics for four to six weeks, followed by chronic oral antibiotic suppression. Estimates of survival were made using a competing risk analysis. The mean follow-up was five years (2.1 to 13).

Results

The infection was an acute postoperative infection in 23 TKAs and an acute haematogenous infection in 111 TKAs. The incidence of subsequent infection was 36% in those with an acute postoperative infection and 33% in those with a haematogenous infection, five years postoperatively (p = 0.40). Age < 60 years increased the risk of subsequent infection (hazard ratio (HR) 2.4; p = 0.009) and removal of the components (HR 2.8; p = 0.007). Infection with a staphylococcal species increased the risk of subsequent infection (HR 3.6; p < 0.001), and removal of the components (HR 3.2; p = 0.002). Musculoskeletal Infection Society host type and local extremity grade, body mass index (BMI), the duration of symptoms, gender, and the presence of a monoblock tibial component had no significant effect on the outcome.

Conclusion

In a rigorously defined group of acute periprosthetic infections after TKA treated with IDCR and chronic antibiotic suppression, the infection-free survival at five years was 66%. The greatest risk factor for failure was an infection with a staphylococcal species, followed by age of < 60 years. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:1471–76.

Debridement, antibiotics and implant retention for periprosthetic joint infections: A systematic review and meta-analysis of treatment outcomes

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to assess infection control rates after DAIR in patients with periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) following joint arthroplasty and evaluate factors associated with infection control using a systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane databases and reference lists of relevant studies up to May 2017. Longitudinal studies conducted in patients with PJI treated exclusively by DAIR were eligible. Infection control rates were meta-analysed using random-effect models after arcsine transformation.

RESULTS

We included 93 articles based on 99 unique observational studies with data on 4897 PJIs treated by DAIR. The infection control rate for DAIR ranged from 11.1% to 100% with an overall pooled estimate of 61.4% (95% CI, 57.3-65.4) and a 95% prediction interval of 25.5% to 91.8%. Infection control rates remained generally similar for several relevant characteristics, except for evidence of variation by age, geographical location, type of infection and joint affected, duration of parenteral antibiotic therapy after the DAIR procedure, and period (year) of DAIR procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

The DAIR approach remains an option for the treatment of PJI as it is associated with acceptable infection control rates, particularly in acute postoperative infections and infections of the hip and shoulder joints.

Disparities in Total Knee Replacement: Population Losses in Quality-Adjusted Life-Years Due to Differential Offer, Acceptance, and Complication Rates for African Americans

OBJECTIVE

Total knee replacement (TKR) is an effective treatment for end-stage knee osteoarthritis (OA). American racial minorities undergo fewer TKRs than whites. We estimated quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) lost for African American knee OA patients due to differences in TKR offer, acceptance, and complication rates.

METHODS

We used the Osteoarthritis Policy Model, a computer simulation of knee OA, to predict QALY outcomes for African American and white knee OA patients with and without TKR. We estimated per-person QALYs gained from TKR as the difference between QALYs with current TKR use and QALYs when no TKR was performed. We estimated average, per-person QALY losses in African Americans as the difference between QALYs gained with white rates of TKR and QALYs gained with African American rates of TKR. We calculated population-level QALY losses by multiplying per-person QALY losses by the number of persons with advanced knee OA. Finally, we estimated QALYs lost specifically due to lower TKR offer and acceptance rates and higher rates of complications among African American knee OA patients.

RESULTS

African American men and women gain 64,100 QALYs from current TKR use. With white offer and complications rates, they would gain an additional 72,000 QALYs. Because these additional gains are unrealized, we call this a loss of 72,000 QALYs. African Americans lose 67,500 QALYs because of lower offer rates, 15,800 QALYs because of lower acceptance rates, and 2,600 QALYs because of higher complication rates.

CONCLUSION

African Americans lose 72,000 QALYs due to disparities in TKR offer and complication rates. Programs to decrease disparities in TKR use are urgently needed.

Irrigation and Debridement for Early Periprosthetic Knee Infection: Is It Effective?

BACKGROUND

Irrigation and debridement (I&D) is performed for early management of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Symptom reporting is a subjective measure and may miss direct management of PJI. Utilizing an objective time interval from index procedure to I&D may better inform treatment decisions.

METHODS

From 2009 to 2017, retrospective review was performed of 55 knee PJI cases at our institution. All patients underwent polyethylene liner exchange and I&D for PJI. Patients were stratified by time from index procedure to I&D (≤2 weeks, >2 weeks). Success was defined as eradication of infection and resolution of presenting symptoms. Failed cases required subsequent procedures due to infection.

RESULTS

Average follow-up time after index TKA was 2.5 years. Among patients with I&D within 2 weeks of index TXA, 14 patients (82%) were successfully treated while 3 (18%) had infection recurrence. These outcomes were significantly improved compared to patients with I&D after 2 weeks: 19 (50%) successes and 19 (50%) failures (P = .024). Staphylococcal species were the most frequent pathogen in patients treated before and after 2 weeks of index TKA (39% and 50%, respectively). Outcomes were pathogen-independent in PJIs treated before or after 2 weeks of index TKA (P = .206 and .594, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrate that patients with early PJI managed with I&D and liner exchange within 2 weeks of index TKA had higher rates of treatment success when compared to those with I&D beyond 2 weeks. These findings suggest that time from index TKA to I&D is an objective and reliable indicator of treatment success when considering I&D in acute onset knee PJI.

Cementless One-Stage Revision in Chronic Periprosthetic Hip Joint Infection. Ninety-One Percent Infection Free Survival in 56 Patients at Minimum 2-Year Follow-Up

BACKGROUND

Cementless 1-stage revision in chronic periprosthetic hip joint infections is limited evaluated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a specific treatment protocol in this patient group.

METHODS

The study was performed as a multicenter, proof-of-concept, observational study with prospective data collection. Patients were treated with a cementless 1-stage revision according to the CORIHA protocol between 2009 and 2014. Fifty-six patients, McPherson type III-A/B-1/2, were enrolled with a mean follow-up time from the CORIHA procedure of 4 years (minimum of 2 years). The primary outcome was re-revision performed due to infection and was evaluated by competing risk analysis, with death and aseptic revision as competing events. All-cause mortality was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Oxford Hip Score (OHS) was used as disease-specific patient-reported outcome measure.

RESULTS

The cumulative incidence of re-revision due to infection was 8.9% (confidence interval [CI] 3.2%-18.1%). The 1-year and 5-year survival incidence was 96% (CI 86%-99%) and 89% (CI 75%-95%). OHS at baseline was 19.9 (CI 17.3-22.6) and at 24-month follow-up 35.1 (CI 31.7-38.5). The mean change in OHS from baseline to 24-month follow-up was 11.8 points (CI 7.3; 16.3). Three patients had aseptic revision performed: two suffered periprosthetic fractures and one had stem subsidence. Failure analysis of the 5 reinfections did not detect a clear pattern as to the cause of failure.

CONCLUSION

We found that cementless 1-stage revision in chronic periprosthetic hip joint infections has low reinfection rates in selected patients and may be applicable as a first-line treatment.

A cost-effectiveness modelling study of strategies to reduce risk of infection following primary hip replacement based on a systematic review

BACKGROUND

A deep infection of the surgical site is reported in 0.7% of all cases of total hip arthroplasty (THA). This often leads to revision surgery that is invasive, painful and costly. A range of strategies is employed in NHS hospitals to reduce risk, yet no economic analysis has been undertaken to compare the value for money of competing prevention strategies.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the costs and health benefits of strategies that reduce the risk of deep infection following THA in NHS hospitals. To make recommendations to decision-makers about the cost-effectiveness of the alternatives.

DESIGN

The study comprised a systematic review and cost-effectiveness decision analysis.

SETTING

77,321 patients who had a primary hip arthroplasty in NHS hospitals in 2012.

INTERVENTIONS

Nine different treatment strategies including antibiotic prophylaxis, antibiotic-impregnated cement and ventilation systems used in the operating theatre.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Change in the number of deep infections, change in the total costs and change in the total health benefits in quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs).

DATA SOURCES

Literature searches using MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were undertaken to cover the period 1966-2012 to identify infection prevention strategies. Relevant journals, conference proceedings and bibliographies of retrieved papers were hand-searched. Orthopaedic surgeons and infection prevention experts were also consulted.

REVIEW METHODS

English-language papers only. The selection of evidence was by two independent reviewers. Studies were included if they were interventions that reported THA-related deep surgical site infection (SSI) as an outcome. Mixed-treatment comparisons were made to produce estimates of the relative effects of competing infection control strategies.

RESULTS

Twelve studies, six randomised controlled trials and six observational studies, involving 123,788 total hip replacements (THRs) and nine infection control strategies, were identified. The quality of the evidence was judged against four categories developed by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence Methods for Development of NICE Public Health Guidance ( http://publications.nice.org.uk/methods-for-the-development-of-nice-public-health-guidance-third-edition-pmg4 ), accessed March 2012. All evidence was found to fit the two highest categories of 1 and 2. Nine competing infection control interventions [treatments (Ts) 1-9] were used in a cohort simulation model of 77,321 patients who had a primary THR in 2012. Predictions were made for cases of deep infection and total costs, and QALY outcomes. Compared with a baseline of T1 (no systemic antibiotics, plain cement and conventional ventilation) all other treatment strategies reduced risk. T6 was the most effective (systemic antibiotics, antibiotic-impregnated cement and conventional ventilation) and prevented a further 1481 cases of deep infection, and led to the largest annual cost savings and the greatest gains to QALYs. The additional uses of laminar airflow and body exhaust suits indicate higher costs and worse health outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

T6 is an optimal strategy for reducing the risk of SSI following THA. The other strategies that are commonly used among NHS hospitals lead to higher cost and worse QALY outcomes. Policy-makers, therefore, have an opportunity to save resources and improve health outcomes. The effects of laminar air flow and body exhaust suits might be further studied if policy-makers are to consider disinvesting in these technologies.

LIMITATIONS

A wide range of evidence sources was synthesised and there is large uncertainty in the conclusions.

FUNDING

The National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme and the Queensland Health Quality Improvement and Enhancement Programme (grant number 2008001769).

Clinical Behavior of Implant Infections Due to Staphylococcus Epidermidis

Surgical implants and other foreign material are increasingly used in modern medicine to restore or to improve the function of the human body. Infection of an implant is associated with considerable morbidity due to frequent hospitalizations, surgery and antimicrobial treatment. The underlying mechanism is the formation of a bacterial biofilm on the surface of the implanted body. The recognition and diagnosis of implant infections is essential for further therapy and, above all, the decision to remove and exchange the implant.

Methods

We compared the data of 60 patients with implant infections with those of 60 patients with transient bacteremia caused by Staphylococcus epidermidis. The pathogens isolated from blood were characterized with regard to antimicrobial susceptibility and formation of biofilms using a static microtiter plate model. Wild type skin isolates from non-hospitalized healthy volunteers served as control with regard to antimicrobial susceptibility and biofilm formation.

Results

Clinical signs and symptoms, underlying diseases and outcome were not different in either group. However, patients with implant infection had fever over a longer time (mean 12 days versus 3 days, respectively, p & 0.05) and more often positive blood cultures than patients with transient bacteremia (3.1 versus 1.2, p & 0.05). Thrombocytopenia was observed in patients with implant infections but not in patients with transient bacteremia (p & 0.05). Biofilms were formed in 86.4 % of the isolates in implant infection, in 88.8 % in transient bacteremia and in 76.9 % of the isolates from healthy volunteers (not significant). Multi-resistance to penicillin, oxacillin, erythromycin, clindamycin, ciprofloxacin and trimethoprim was more common in the hospital strains than in the wild type strains (75.6 % versus 48.7 %, p & 0.05).

Conclusions

The clinical features of implant infections are indistinguishable from those of transient bacteremia. Persisting fever and multiple blood culture yielding the growth of skin flora bacteria are strong indicators for infection of implanted material. Biofilm formation and antimicrobial multiresistance, as common in implant infection as in transient bacteremia, seem to be accessory factors in infections due to Staphylococcus epidermidis.

Prosthetic Joint Infections and Cost Analysis?

Prosthetic joint infection is a devastating complication of arthroplasty surgery that can lead to debilitating morbidity for the patient and significant expense for the healthcare system. With the continual rise of arthroplasty cases worldwide every year, the revision load for infection is becoming a greater financial burden on healthcare budgets. Prevention of infection has to be the key to reducing this burden. For treatment, it is critical for us to collect quality data that can guide future management strategies to minimise healthcare costs and morbidity / mortality for patients. There has been a management shift in many countries to a less expensive 1-stage strategy and in selective cases to the use of debridement, antibiotics and implant retention. These appear very attractive options on many levels, not least cost. However, with a consensus on the definition of joint infection only clarified in 2011, there is still the need for high quality cost analysis data to be collected on how the use of these different methods could impact the healthcare expenditure of countries around the world. With a projected spend on revision for infection at US$1.62 billion in the US alone, this data is vital and urgently needed.

Intravenous drug abuse is a risk factor in the failure of two-stage treatment for infected total hip arthroplasty

Reinfection after two-stage revision hip arthroplasty (RHA) is still a complex issue. Only few studies revealed the factors affecting the success rate in the treatment of periprosthetic hip infection (PHI), especially risk factors. A retrospective study was conducted using records of 30 patients underwent two-stage RHA for infected total hip arthroplasty (THA). Treatment was defined as successful if a patient did not need any reoperation or invasive procedure such as image-guided drainage during the two years after reimplantation. Treatment was defined as failure if any surgery or invasive procedure or long-term antibiotic suppression was considered necessary to control infection. Four patients had infection recurrence defined as failed and three of them had intravenous drug abuse. Twenty-six patients had no infection recurrence at the end of follow-up and one of them had intravenous drug abuse but quitting after surgery. We suggest that once adequate cleaning up achieved, risk of reinfection may be little even in immunocompromised patients with RHA because of relative less old age than those with revisional total knee arthroplasty. Patients of the reinfection group were younger and non-obese with adequate nutritional status. We may consider intravenous drug abuse could take a great toll on health and lead to reinfection. Finally, we suggest performing the gold-standard two-stage reimplantation technique to manage cases with infection, educating drug abusers regarding the risk of surgical failure, and implementing a quitting program at least 1 year before the index surgery.

Early periprosthetic joint infection and debridement, antibiotics and implant retention in arthroplasty for femoral neck fracture

INTRODUCTION

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a severe complication of hip arthroplasty for femoral neck fractures (FNF). Debridement, antibiotics and implant retention (DAIR) is recommended in early PJI in association with stable implants. Few studies have evaluated the outcome of DAIR in this fragile population.The purpose of this study was to analyse risk factors for PJI and the short-term outcome of DAIR in FNF patients treated with a hip arthroplasty.

METHODS

A consecutive series of 736 patients (median age 81 years, 490 women, 246 men) had been treated with either a total hip arthroplasty or a hemi hip arthroplasty for a displaced FNF at our institution. 33 (4.5%) of the hips developed an early (<6 weeks post operatively) PJI and 28 (3.8%) of these patients were treated according to the DAIR-protocol. Regression analyses were performed to assess risk factors for developing a PJI.

RESULTS

DAIR eradicated the PJI in 82% (23/28) of patients at a median follow-up of 31 (SD 29.8) months of the infected hips.The logistic regression analysis indicated that 2 or more changes of the primary dressing due to wound bleeding was associated with an increased risk for developing PJI (OR 4.9, 95% 1.5 to 16.1, p = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The short-term success-rate of DAIR was unexpectedly favourable in this fragile patient population; the results being on par with that after PJI in osteoarthritis patients. The need for repeated bandage changes postoperatively indicates an increased risk for PJI and should prompt early surgical intervention.

What is the Long-term Economic Societal Effect of Periprosthetic Infections After THA? A Markov Analysis

BACKGROUND

Current estimates for the direct costs of a single episode of care for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) after THA are approximately USD 100,000. These estimates do not account for the costs of failed treatments and do not include indirect costs such as lost wages.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

The goal of this study was to estimate the long-term economic effect to society (direct and indirect costs) of a PJI after THA treated with contemporary standards of care in a hypothetical patient of working age (three scenarios, age 55, 60, and 65 years).

METHODS

We created a state-transition Markov model with health states defined by surgical treatment options including irrigation and débridement with modular exchange, single-stage revision, and two-stage revision. Reoperation rates attributable to septic and aseptic failure modes and indirect and direct costs were calculated estimates garnered via multiple systematic reviews of peer-reviewed orthopaedic and infectious disease journals and Medicare reimbursement data. We conducted an analysis over a hypothetical patient's lifetime from the societal perspective with costs discounted by 3% annually. We conducted sensitivity analysis to delineate the effects of uncertainty attributable to input variables.

RESULTS

The model found a base case cost of USD 390,806 per 65-year-old patient with an infected THA. One-way sensitivity analysis gives a range of USD 389,307 (65-year-old with a 3% reinfection rate) and USD 474,004 (55-year-old with a 12% reinfection rate). Indirect costs such as lost wages make up a considerable portion of the costs and increase considerably as age at the time of infection decreases.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study show that the overall treatment of a periprosthetic infection after a THA is markedly more expensive to society than previously estimated when accounting for the considerable failure rates of current treatment options and including indirect costs. These overall costs, combined with a large projected increase in THAs and a steady state of septic failures, should be taken into account when considering the total cost of THA. Further research is needed to adequately compare the clinical and economic effectiveness of alternative treatment pathways.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II, economic and decision analysis.

Primary hip and knee arthroplasty in a temporary operating theatre is associated with a significant increase in deep periprosthetic infection

Aims

Infection following total hip or knee arthroplasty is a serious complication. We noted an increase in post-operative infection in cases carried out in temporary operating theatres. We therefore compared those cases performed in standard and temporary operating theatres and examined the deep periprosthetic infection rates.

Patients and methods

A total of 1223 primary hip and knee arthroplasties were performed between August 2012 and June 2013. A total of 539 (44%) were performed in temporary theatres. The two groups were matched for age, gender, body mass index and American Society of Anesthesiologists grade.

Results

The deep infection rate for standard operating theatres was 0 of 684 (0%); for temporary theatres it was eight of 539 (1.5%) (p = 0.001).

Conclusion

Use of a temporary operating theatre for primary hip and knee arthroplasty was associated with an unacceptable increase in deep infection. We do not advocate the use of these theatres for primary joint arthroplasty. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:917–20.

Management of periprosthetic infections

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is considered one of the most challenging complications compromising patient health and is considered an economic burden. Despite all strategies PJI prevalence is between 1%-2%. Considerable efforts have been investigated in the past decade to diminish or erradicate PJI prevalence. This article manages the definition of PJI and the new major and minor criteria from Parvizi et al Then a scientific analysis of every minor and major criteria. Multidisciplinary management is reccommended according to guidelines. A numerous of surgical options exist each and everyone with its indications, contraindications and specific antibiotic therapy regimen. Surgical options are: (1) irrigation and cleaning with retention of the prosthesis with a success rate 0%-89%; (2) single-stage revision surgery with a succes rate of > 80%; and (3) two-stage revision surgery (authors preferred method) with a succes rate of 87%. Radical treatment options like arthrodesis and amputation are reserved for specific group of patients, with a succes rate varying from 60%-100%. The future of PJI is focused on improving the diagnostic tools and to combat biofilm. The cornerstone of management consists in a rapid diagnosis and specific therapy. This article presents the most current diagnostic and treatment criteria as well as the different surgical treatment options depending on the type of infection, bacterial virulence and patient comorbidities.

Functional outcomes of infected hip arthroplasty: a comparison of different surgical treatment options

BACKGROUND

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) following total hip arthroplasty (THA) can be treated with irrigation and debridement with head and polyethylene exchange (IDHPE) or 2-stage revision (2SR). Few studies have compared patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in patients managed with these treatments.

METHODS

A retrospective review identified 137 patients who had an infected primary THA between 1986-2013. Control cohorts were matched according to age and Charlton Comorbidity Index (CCI). Harris Hip Scores (HHS), Short Form 12 (SF12), and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) scores were compared between the control and infected cohorts.

RESULTS

68 patients underwent a 2SR and 69 patients underwent an IDHPE. IDHPE had a 59% success rate in eradicating infection. PROMs for the 2SR cohort were significantly worse than the noninfected controls (SF12-PCS [34.0 vs. 38.3, p = 0.03]; HHS [76.6 vs. 91.7, p<0.001]; and WOMAC [67.3 vs. 79.3, p = 0.005]). There were no significant differences between the noninfected cohort and the successful IDHPE. Significant differences were found between failed IDHPE and noninfected controls (SF12-PCS [42.5 vs. 34.0, p = 0.011]; HHS [92.3 vs. 79.6, p = 0.004]). There was only difference in SF12-MCS scores (50.3 vs. 57.3, p = 0.012) between the 2SR and failed IDHPE cohorts.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients treated with a successful IDHPE had similar outcomes to noninfected patients. Patients that failed IDHPE and went onto 2SR had similar outcomes to those that had a 2SR alone. IDHPE demonstrated a 59% success rate with PROMs equivalent to a noninfected cohort and should be considered in the treatment algorithm of infected THA.

Debridement and implant retention in the management of hip periprosthetic joint infection: outcomes following guided and rapid treatment at a single centre

AIMS

To analyse the effectiveness of debridement and implant retention (DAIR) in patients with hip periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) and the relationship to patient characteristics. The outcome was evaluated in hips with confirmed PJI and a follow-up of not less than two years.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients in whom DAIR was performed were identified from our hip arthroplasty register (between 2004 and 2013). Adherence to criteria for DAIR was assessed according to a previously published algorithm.

RESULTS

DAIR was performed as part of a curative procedure in 46 hips in 42 patients. The mean age was 73.2 years (44.6 to 87.7), including 20 women and 22 men. In 34 hips in 32 patients (73.9%), PJI was confirmed. In 12 hips, the criteria for PJI were not fulfilled and antibiotics stopped. In 41 (89.1%) of all hips and in 32 (94.1%) of the confirmed PJIs, all criteria for DAIR were fulfilled. In patients with exogenous PJI, DAIR was performed not more than three days after referral. In haematogenous infections, the duration of symptoms did not exceed 21 days. In 28 hips, a single debridement and in six hips two surgical debridements were required. In 28 (87.5%) of 32 patients, the total treatment duration was three months. Failure was noted in three hips (9%). Long-term follow-up results (mean 4.0 years, 1.4 to 10) were available in 30 of 34 (88.2%) confirmed PJIs. The overall successful outcome rate was 91% in 34 hips, and 90% in 30 hips with long-term follow-up results.

CONCLUSION

Prompt surgical treatment with DAIR, following strict diagnostic and therapeutic criteria, in patients with suspected periprosthetic joint infection, can lead to high rates of success in eradicating the infection. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:330-6.

Introduction to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee Guideline for Prevention of Surgical Site Infection: Prosthetic Joint Arthroplasty Section

Peri-prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a severe complication of total joint arthroplasty that appears to be increasing as more of these procedures are performed. Numerous risk factors for incisional (superficial and deep) and organ/space (e.g., PJI) surgical site infections (SSIs) have been identified. A better understanding and reversal of modifiable risk factors may lead to a reduction in the incidence of incisional SSI and PJI. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC) recently updated the national Guideline for Prevention of Surgical Site Infection. The updated guideline applies evidence-based methodology, presents recommendations for potential strategies to reduce the risk of SSI, and includes an arthroplasty-specific section. This article serves to introduce the guideline development process and to complement the Prosthetic Joint Arthroplasty section with background information on PJI-specific economic burden, epidemiology, pathogenesis and microbiology, and risk factor information.