A systematic review and meta-analysis comparing intrawound vancomycin powder and povidone iodine lavage in the prevention of periprosthetic joint infection of hip and knee arthroplasties

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BackgroundFocus on reviewing a vigorous research effort to improve the safety profile of vancomycin powder (VP) and its optimal dose in reducing periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is the need of the hour. This systematic review and meta-analysis attempt to explore the ongoing use of VP and VP + povidone iodine (PI) lavage to prevent PJI of hip/knee arthroplasties and highlights its challenges among the orthopedic community about the existence of the major organism and its frequency in total joint arthroplasty (TJA) patients. MethodsWe searched PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE databases regarding the outcomes of vancomycin powder (VP) and VP + povidone iodine (PI) combination in preventing periprosthetic joint infection of hip and knee arthroplasties. ResultsIn 5 of 7 studies, the combination of vancomycin powder (VP) and povidone iodine (PI) lavage have shown a lower risk of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) in acute and high-risk hip and knee arthroplasties patients, with less or without serious adverse events and readmissions; while four of seven studies using VP-only found increasing rates of PJI in primary total knee arthroplasty and partial hip replacement in elderly patients with comorbidities, and significantly causes aseptic wound complications compared to the control group. ConclusionsIntra-articular vancomycin powder (VP) and povidone iodine (PI) lavage showed a significant reduction of periprosthetic joint infection in primary and revision total joint arthroplasty. Before its widespread use in clinical settings, prospective randomized studies and, most importantly, its long-term efficacy and safety are recommended.