Overview of systematic reviews of risk factors for prosthetic joint infection

BACKGROUND

Prosthetic joint infection is one of the most serious complications in orthopedics. Prognostic systematic reviews (SR) detecting and assessing factors related to prosthetic joint infection, allow better prediction of risk and implementation of preventive measures. Although prognostic SR are increasingly frequent, their methodological field presents some knowledge gaps.

PURPOSE

To carry out an overview of SR assessing risk factors for prosthetic joint infection, describing and synthesizing their evidence. Secondarily, to assess the risk of bias and methodological quality.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We conducted a bibliographic search in 4databases (May 2021) to identify prognostic SR evaluating any risk factor for prosthetic joint infection. We evaluated risk of bias with the ROBIS tool, and methodological quality with a modified AMSTAR-2 tool. We computed the overlap degree study between included SR.

RESULTS

Twenty-three SR were included, studying 15 factors for prosthetic joint infection, of which, 13 had significant association. The most frequently studied risk factors were obesity, intra-articular corticosteroids, smoking and uncontrolled diabetes. Overlapping between SR was high for obesity and very high for intra-articular corticoid injection, smoking and uncontrolled diabetes. Risk of bias was considered low in 8SRs (34.7%). The modified AMSTAR-2 tool showed important methodological gaps.

CONCLUSIONS

Identification of procedural-modifiable factors, such as intra-articular corticoids use, can give patients better results. Overlapping between SR was very high, meaning that some SR are redundant. The evidence on risk factors for prosthetic joint infection is weak due to high risk of bias and limited methodological quality.

[Translated article] Overview of systematic reviews of risk factors for prosthetic joint infection

BACKGROUND

Prosthetic joint infection is one of the most serious complications in orthopedics. Prognostic systematic reviews (SRs) detecting and assessing factors related to prosthetic joint infection, allow better prediction of risk and implementation of preventive measures. Although prognostic SRs are increasingly frequent, their methodological field presents some knowledge gaps.

PURPOSE

To carry out an overview of SR assessing risk factors for prosthetic joint infection, describing and synthesizing their evidence. Secondarily, to assess the risk of bias and methodological quality.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We conducted a bibliographic search in 4 databases (May 2021) to identify prognostic SR evaluating any risk factor for prosthetic joint infection. We evaluated risk of bias with the ROBIS tool, and methodological quality with a modified AMSTAR-2 tool. We computed the overlap degree study between included SR.

RESULTS

Twenty-three SRs were included, studying 15 factors for prosthetic joint infection, of which, 13 had significant association. The most frequently studied risk factors were obesity, intra-articular corticosteroids, smoking and uncontrolled diabetes. Overlapping between SR was high for obesity and very high for intra-articular corticoid injection, smoking and uncontrolled diabetes. Risk of bias was considered low in 8 SRs (34.7%). The modified AMSTAR-2 tool showed important methodological gaps.

CONCLUSIONS

Identification of procedural-modifiable factors, such as intra-articular corticoids use, can give patients better results. Overlapping between SR was very high, meaning that some SRs are redundant. The evidence on risk factors for prosthetic joint infection is weak due to high risk of bias and limited methodological quality.

[Translated article] Current situation of robotics in knee prosthetic surgery: A technology that has come to stay?

Robotic surgery is a surgical technique that is on the rise. The goal of robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty (RA-TKA) is to provide the surgeon with a tool to accurately execute bone cuts according to previous surgical planning to restore knee kinematics and balance of soft tissue, being able to precisely apply the type of alignment that we choose. In addition, RA-TKA is a very useful tool for training. Within the limitations, there is the learning curve, the need for specific equipment, the high cost of the devices, the increase in radiation in some systems and that each robot is linked to a specific type of implant. Current studies show, with RA-TKA, variations in the alignment of the mechanical axis are reduced, postoperative pain is improved and earlier discharge is facilitated. On the other hand, there are no differences in terms of range of motion, alignment, gap balance, complications, surgical time or functional results.

Perioperative medicine role in painful knee prosthesis prevention

Total knee arthroplasty is one of the most frequently performed orthopaedic surgeries. However, up to 20% of patients develop persistent postoperative pain. Persistent postoperative pain may be an extension of acute postoperative pain, but can also occur after more than 3 months without symptoms. Risk factors associated with persistent postoperative pain after arthroplasty have now been characterised within the patient's perioperative context (preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative), and can be grouped under genetic, demographic, clinical, surgical, analgesic, inflammatory and psychological factors. Identification and prevention of persistent postoperative pain through a multimodal and biopsychosocial approach is essential in the context of perioperative medicine, and has been shown to prevent or ameliorate postoperative pain.

Perioperative medicine role in painful knee prosthesis prevention

Total knee arthroplasty is one of the most frequently performed orthopaedic surgeries. However, up to 20% of patients develop persistent postoperative pain. Persistent postoperative pain may be an extension of acute postoperative pain, but can also occur after more than 3 months without symptoms. Risk factors associated with persistent postoperative pain after arthroplasty have now been characterised within the patient's perioperative context (preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative), and can be grouped under genetic, demographic, clinical, surgical, analgesic, inflammatory and psychological factors. Identification and prevention of persistent postoperative pain through a multimodal and biopsychosocial approach is essential in the context of perioperative medicine, and has been shown to prevent or ameliorate postoperative pain.

Validity of the KLIC and CRIME80 scores in predicting failure in late acute infection treated by debridement and implant retention

It is very important to treat prosthetic infections correctly in order to ensure a higher success rate. Debridement with implant retention (DAIR) is widely used in acute and late infections, however patients who fail after this surgery are known to have a higher risk of failure in subsequent surgeries. Therefore, it is important to find a scale that enables us to predict the risk of DAIR failure. Hence the KLIC and CRIME80 scores for acute and late acute infections, respectively. This study analysed the validity of both scores in acute late periprosthetic knee infections. We observed that the KLIC score has no predictive value for this type of infection, but the CRIME80 score does.

Arthrotomy debridement of arthrostic septic arthritis of the knee is more effective than arthroscopic debridement and delays the need for prosthesis despite progression

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

40%-50% of this septic arthritis occurs in the knee, despite rapid medical surgical treatment, 24%-50% will have a poor clinical outcome. It is not clear which debridement technique, by arthrotomy or arthroscopy, is more effective in controlling infection, or whether or not previous osteoarthritis worsens the outcome. The objective of this study on septic arthritis of the osteoarthritic knee was to analyse which surgical debridement technique, arthroscopy or arthrotomy, is more effective, the clinical and radiographic outcomes of the patients, and how many go on to require a TKR after the infection has healed.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective study was performed in 27 patients with native septic arthritis of the knee. Eighteen were men and the mean age was 64.8 years (30-89years). Fifteen patients were debrided by arthrotomy and 12 by arthroscopy. The effectiveness of debridement in controlling infection, the radiographic progression of the osteoarthritis on the Ahlbäch scale, the need for subsequent replacement, and pain and functional status were analysed using the VAS and WOMAC scales at 52.8±11.2-month follow-up.

RESULTS

The infection was controlled in 93% and 92% of the patients, 13% and 42% required 2 or more surgeries for infection control, 18% and 44.4% showed progression of arthritis in the arthrotomy and arthroscopy groups, respectively. One patient in each group required a knee replacement. The VAS score was superior in the arthrotomy group and there were no differences in WOMAC score.

CONCLUSION

Debridement by arthrotomy in the emergency department by non-sub-specialist knee surgeons is more effective than arthroscopic debridement in controlling septic arthritis of the knee. Surgical debridement of septic arthritis in knees with previous osteoarthritis enabled control of the infection with no pain despite the progression of the osteoarthritis.

Different femoral rotation with navigated flexion-gap balanced or measured resection in total knee arthroplasty does not lead to different clinical outcomes

PURPOSE

Femoral rotation in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is hypothesized to vary in the same knee depending on the method used to establish it.

METHODS

Thirty-eight patients who underwent TKA surgery using a measured resection technique (RT) were compared with 40 patients who underwent a flexion-gap balancing technique with computer-assisted (for navigation) surgery (FB-CAS) to assess clinical and radiographic alignment differences at two years postoperatively. In 36 of the 40 patients in the FB-CAS group, both methods were used. Intraoperatively, the transepicondylar femoral rotation (TEFR) in reference to the transepicondylar axis was established as the rotation that balanced the flexion gap. Once the TEFR was obtained, an analogous rotation as measured by a posterior reference femoral rotation (PRFR) cutting guide was determined.

RESULTS

Femoral component rotation determined by the TEFR and PRFR methods differed in each of the knees. The median TEFR was 0.08°±0.6° (range - 1.5°, 1.5°), and the median PRFR was 0.06°±2.8° (range - 6°, 5°). The mean difference in the rotational alignment between the TEFR and PRFR techniques was 0.01° ± 3.1°. The 95% limits of agreement between the mean differences in measurements were between 6.2° external rotation and - 6.1° internal rotation. At 2 years postoperatively, we found no differences in the radiographic or clinical American Knee Society score between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Rotation of the femoral component in TKA can vary in the same knee depending on the surgical method used to establish it. This variation in femoral rotation is sufficiently small enough to have no apparent effect on the 2-year clinical outcome score.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II.

[Septic arthritis of the knee by Staphylococcus warneri]

Septic arthritis usually occurs as an acute joint process that can cause a rapid destruction of the cartilage, if the necessary therapeutic measures were not taken. Rarely, Staphylococcus warneri may be the cause of this pathology although due to its diagnostic difficulty we can make mistakes in its treatment. We present the case of a patient with septic arthritis of the knee by this germ and we intend to remark what are the diagnostic measures and recommendations to consider for this osteoarticular infection.

Proximalize osteotomy of tibial tuberosity (POTT) as a treatment for stiffness secondary to patella baja in total knee arthroplasty (TKA)

INTRODUCTION

Stiffness after a total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is one of the most common post-operative complications. The purpose of this study is the evaluation of the effectiveness of TT proximalization osteotomy of improving a lack of flexion and secondary pain in patella baja (infera) post-TKA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between April 2007 and July 2012, TT proximalization osteotomy was performed on 21 patients. The average preoperative flexion was 70° (in a range of 60-80). Clinical pre- and post-operative evaluations were performed with Knee Society Score, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index scales and a satisfaction survey. Modified Blackburn-Peel index and Portner angle were used to evaluate patellar height.

RESULTS

After an average follow-up of 35 months (range 18-48), an average flexion of 100° (range 90-100) and an overall satisfaction were obtained. Clinical scores improved significantly. The Blackburn-Peel index and Portner angle improved significantly from 0.3 (range 0.1-0.5) to 0.4 (0.3-0.5) and from 9 (3-15) to 12 (9-18), respectively. Three patients showed no signs of osteotomy consolidation. However, this was not linked to a lack of extension or an increase in local pain.

CONCLUSION

TT proximalization osteotomy provides satisfactory results in improving a lack of flexion and pain in patella baja post-TKR.

Clinical experience with linezolid for the treatment of orthopaedic implant infections

Gram-positive cocci are commonly isolated in orthopaedic implant infections and their resistance to β-lactams and fluoroquinolones is increasing. The high oral bioavailability of linezolid makes it an attractive oral alternative to glycopeptides and its use has increased in the last decade. To evaluate experience with linezolid in orthopaedic implant infections a systematic review of the literature available in English was undertaken. Only those articles describing series of ≥10 patients with acute or chronic orthopaedic implant infections treated with linezolid and with a clear definition of diagnosis and outcome were selected. A total of 293 patients (79.9% had prosthetic joint infections) were analysed in the 10 articles included. The overall remission rate with at least 3 months of follow-up was 79.9%, depending on whether the implant was removed or not (94% versus 69.9%). The addition of rifampicin was described in only two articles and no significant difference was observed. Adverse events were frequent during prolonged administration of linezolid (34.3%), requiring treatment discontinuation in 12.8%. The most common event was anaemia (13.4%) followed by gastrointestinal symptoms (11.1%). In conclusion, linezolid seems a good oral treatment alternative for orthopaedic implant infections due to Gram-positive cocci resistant to β-lactams and fluoroquinolones. However, close monitoring of adverse events is required.

Length of storage of transfused red blood cells and risk of prosthetic joint infection after primary knee arthroplasty

The aim of our study was to determine the potential influence of blood transfusion and the length of storage of packed red blood cells (RBC) on prosthetic joint infection after primary knee arthroplasty. From November 2007 to November 2009, all variables potentially associated with deep infection were registered in 1331 consecutive patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty. Infection was diagnosed in 32 (2.4%) patients. After adjusting for important variables, blood transfusion with RBCs stored >14days was the strongest predictive factor for prosthetic joint infection within 90days after primary knee arthroplasty (OR: 5.9, 95% CI: 2.6-13.2, P < 0.001). Blood saving techniques are desirable to reduce perioperative blood transfusion.

Prosthetic joint infections due to methicillin-resistant and methicillin-susceptible staphylococci treated with open debridement and retention of the prosthesis

OBJECTIVES

To compare the specific characteristics, the outcome and the predictors of failure of prosthetic joint infections (PJI) due to methicillin-resistant (MRS) and methicillin- susceptible staphylococci (MSS) treated with open debridement and retention of the implant.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

PJI due to MRS or MRS prospectively registered in a database from 1999 to 2009 were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

During the study period, 96 patients met the inclusion criteria of the study. The mean follow-up period was 3.9 years and at least 2 years in all patients. The failure rate was 25%. The only variable significantly associated with failure in the global cohort was polymicrobial infection (59.3% vs. 40.7%, p=0.036). Thirty-four (35.4%) patients had an infection due to MRS and 62 (63.6%) due to MSS. Among MSS infections, 95.2% corresponded to primary arthroplasties while 29.4% of PJI due to MRS were after revision arthroplasties (p=0.001). CRP was significantly higher in PJI due to MSS (5.2 mg/dl vs 9.1 mg/dL, p=0.02).The failure rate (20% vs 27%, p=0.62) was very similar in MSS and MRS groups.

CONCLUSION

PJI due to MRS were mainly coagulase-negative staphylococci, more frequent after revision arthroplasties, had a lower inflammatory response, and had a similar failure rate than MSS infections.

Long-term outcome of acute prosthetic joint infections due to gram-negative bacilli treated with retention of prosthesis

OBJECTIVE

To update the clinical information of the 47 patients with a prosthetic joint infection due to Gram-negative bacilli included in a previous study and to reassess the predictors of failure after a longer follow-up.

METHODS

Using the electronic files of our hospital, all the information regarding readmissions to the hospital, new surgical procedures and the reason for the new surgery (infection, aseptic loosening), and the last visit in the hospital were registered. The medical chart of the 35 patients that were considered in remission in the previous publication was reviewed.

RESULTS

In 30 patients no clinical evidence of failure was detected and no additional surgery on the previously infected prosthesis was necessary and they were considered in long-term remission. In 5 cases a late complication was identified. One case had a reinfection due to coagulase-negative staphylococci after 22 months from the open debridement and required a 2-stage revision surgery. The other 4 cases developed an aseptic loosening and it was necessary to perform a 1-stage exchange. Receiving a fluoroquinolone when all the Gram-negatives involved in the infection were susceptible to fluoroquinolones was the only factor associated with remission in the univariate analysis (p=0.002).

CONCLUSION

After a long-term follow-up, our results support the importance of using fluoroquinolones in acute PJI due to Gram-negative bacilli.

Relationship between the degree of osteolysis and cultures obtained by sonication of the prostheses in patients with aseptic loosening of a hip or knee arthroplasty

INTRODUCTION

The pathogenesis of prosthesis loosening is not well understood. The aim of our study was to sonicate components of joint prostheses removed due to aseptic loosening, culture the sonicate fluid, and to correlate these results with the degree of radiological osteolysis.

METHODS

From January 2008 to June 2009 all consecutive patients who underwent a revision of hip or knee prosthesis due to aseptic loosening were included in the study. Aseptic loosening was established when the patient had radiological signs of loosening without symptoms or signs of infection. The diagnosis was confirmed when histology was negative, and ≥ 5 out of 6 standard cultures of periprosthetic tissue were negative. Bone lysis was measured according to the Paprosky or Engh classifications without knowing the result of sonication cultures. Removed components were placed in sterile bags and immediately transported to the microbiology laboratory and sonicated. Sonicate fluid was cultured and the results were correlated with the degree of bone lysis. The proportion of components with positive sonication culture according to the bone lysis classification was compared using χ(2) test.

RESULTS

A total of 52 patients were included and 123 components were sonicated. In 30 patients at least 1 sonicated component was positive (57.7%) and 44 out of 123 (35.8%) components were positive. The proportion of positive sonication cultures was significantly higher in the group of components with a higher degree of bone lysis of 3 (76.5%) than in those with lower degrees (33.9% for 1 and 24% for 2) (χ(2) test, p = 0.0004).

CONCLUSIONS

Sonication cultures were positive in 57% of patients who underwent revision arthroplasty for aseptic loosening. The percentage of positive sonication cultures was significantly higher in patients with severe osteolysis.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

level I of Prognostic Studies-Investigating the Effect of a Patient Characteristic on the Outcome of Disease.

Usefulness of monitoring linezolid trough serum concentration in prolonged treatments

Linezolid has proven valuable in musculoskeletal infections, however, failure and resistance have been described and toxicity is worrisome when more than 28 days are necessary. We describe the first 5 cases in whom linezolid trough serum concentrations were weekly measured and its relationship with clinical outcome and toxicity.

Comparison of a low-pressure and a high-pressure pulsatile lavage during débridement for orthopaedic implant infection

INTRODUCTION

The aim of our study was to compare the effectiveness of high-pressure pulsatile lavage and low-pressure lavage in patients with an orthopaedic implant infection treated with open débridement followed by antibiotic treatment.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with an orthopaedic implant infection requiring open débridement from January 2008 to August 2009 were randomized prospectively to a low-pressure or a high-pressure pulsatile lavage arm. Relevant information about demographics, co-morbidity, type of implant, microbiology data, surgical treatment, and outcome were recorded. Comparison of proportions was made using χ(2) test or Fisher exact test when necessary. The Kaplan-Meier survival method was used to estimate the cumulative probability of treatment failure from open débridement to the last visit.

RESULTS

Seventy-nine patients were included. There were no differences between the main characteristics between both groups (p > 0.05). Mean (SD) age of the whole cohort was 70.2 (11.9) years. There were 46 infections on knee prosthesis, 17 on hip prosthesis, 7 on hip hemiarthroplasties and 9 on osteosynthesis devices. There were 69 acute post-surgical infections, 8 acute haematogenous infections and 2 chronic infections. The most common microorganisms isolated were coagulase-negative Staphylococci in 34 cases, Staphylococcus aureus in 26 and Escherichia coli in 19 cases. There were 30 polymicrobial infections. A total of 42 and 37 patients were randomized to a high-pressure pulsatile or a low-pressure lavage, respectively. There was no difference in the success rate between both arms (80.9 vs. 86.5%, p = 0.56).

CONCLUSION

The use of a high-pressure pulsatile lavage during open débridement of implant infections had a similar success rate as a low-pressure lavage.

Outcome and predictors of treatment failure in early post-surgical prosthetic joint infections due to Staphylococcus aureus treated with debridement

Experience with debridement and prosthesis retention in early prosthetic joint infections (PJI) due to Staphylococcus aureus is scarce. The present study aimed to evaluate the outcome and predictors of failure. Patients prospectively registered with an early PJI due to S. aureus and 2 years of follow-up were reviewed. Demographics, co-morbidity, type of implant, clinical manifestations, surgical treatment, antimicrobial therapy and outcome were recorded. Remission was defined when the patient had no symptoms of infection, the prosthesis was retained and C-reactive protein (CRP) was ≤ 1 mg/dL. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed. Fifty-three patients with a mean ± SD age of 70 ± 10.8 years were reviewed. Thirty-five infections were on knee prosthesis and 18 were on hip prosthesis. The mean ± SD duration of intravenous and oral antibiotics was 10.6 ± 6.7 and 88 ± 45.9 days, respectively. After 2 years of follow-up, 40 (75.5%) patients were in remission. Variables independently associated with failure were the need for a second debridement (OR 20.4, 95% CI 2.3-166.6, p 0.006) and a CRP > 22 mg/dL (OR 9.8, 95% CI 1.5-62.5, p 0.01). The onset of the infection within the 25 days after joint arthroplasty was at the limit of significance (OR 8.3, 95% CI 0.8-85.6, p 0.07). Debridement followed by a short period of antibiotics is a reasonable treatment option in early PJI due to S. aureus. Predictors of failure were the need for a second debridement to control the infection a CRP > 22 mg/dL and the infection onset within the first 25 days after joint arthroplasty.