Diagnosis Of Periprosthetic Joint Infection Research Articles

Advancements in treatment strategies for periprosthetic joint infections: A comprehensive review

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) presents a critical challenge in orthopedic care, contributing to significant patient morbidity and healthcare costs. This burden is expected to increase secondary to growing demand for total joint arthroplasty (TJA). Despite the profound significance of PJI, there is currently no universally accepted “gold standard” diagnostic criteria using serum biomarker thresholds; latest criteria fail to differentiate acute infections from chronic or consider time since initial surgery. Furthermore, contemporary PJI treatment, which conventionally requires 2-stage revision surgery in conjunction with rigorous antibiotic treatment, can be particularly taxing on patients. Fortunately, recent years have seen marked evolution in both PJI diagnosis and treatment methods. Contemporary research supports time-dependent serum biomarker thresholds with greater sensitivity and specificity than previously reported, as well as alternative surgical options which may be more suitable for certain patients.The following narrative review aims to describe the significance and pathogenesis of PJI before characterizing current challenges, novel innovations, and the future landscape of PJI diagnosis and management. Here, we spotlight the emerging utility of novel biomarkers and metagenomic next-generation sequencing for diagnosis, advancements in patient-centered surgical outcome prediction tools for PJI risk assessment and prevention, and evolving surgical techniques including 1-stage and a “hybrid” 1.5-stage revision surgeries. Additionally, we explore cutting-edge therapeutic modalities including peptide and bacteriophage-based treatments, intraoperative anti-biofilm gel, the VT-X7 antibiotic pump, and promising immune-based interventions. Ultimately, these advancements hold the potential to revolutionize PJI management, offering hope for improved outcomes and reduced burdens on healthcare systems.

Synovial calprotectin in prosthetic joint infection. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature.

Calprotectin is a protein endowed with antimicrobial properties, rendering it a distinctive marker for infection. Two methods are currently available for the assay of calprotectin: the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the lateral flow test (LFT). We aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of synovial fluid calprotectin and to compare the accuracy of the laboratory-based test and the qualitative assessment for the diagnosis of hip and knee prosthetic infection. We searched (from inception to November 2023) MEDLINE, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane for studies on calprotectin in the diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratio (LR), and diagnostic odds ratio were analyzed. The receiver-operating curve for each method was calculated. We included 14 articles in our meta-analysis, including 902 patients who underwent total hip and knee arthroplasties revision; 331 (37%) had a joint infection according to MSIS, MSIS-modified criteria, ICM 2018 and EBJIS 2021. Considering the false-positive result rate of 6% and false-negative result rate of 7%, pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.92 (95% CI 0.89-0.94) and 0.93 (0.91-0.95), respectively. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.93 (95% CI 0.91-0.94). No statistical differences in terms of sensitivity and specificity were found between ELISA and LFT. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of the two calprotectin assessment methods were: LFT 0.90 (95% CI 0.869-0.935) and 0.92 (95% CI 0.894-0.941), respectively; ELISA 0.96 (95% CI 0.914-0.986) and 0.97 (95% CI 0.934-0.988), respectively. The diagnostic odds ratio of the ELISA was superior to that of the LFT (906.6667, 95% CI 271.2686-3030.3712 versus 113.8886, 95% CI 70.4001-184.2414; p < 0.001). The AUC for ELISA and LFT was 0.968 (95% CI 0.944-0.984) and 0.915 (95% CI 0.895-0.933), respectively. Detection of synovial calprotectin is an accurate test for diagnosis of hip and knee prosthetic infections. The diagnostic accuracy of the two calprotectin assessment methods is almost comparable. The LFT is a valid, rapid, and more available diagnostic tool, particularly to rule out PJI.

Can Periprosthetic Joint Infection of Tumor Prostheses Be Controlled With Debridement, Antibiotics, and Implant Retention?

Two-stage revision for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) in patients who have undergone segmental replacement of the distal femur or proximal tibia after tumor resection can be associated with considerable morbidity, pain, and risk of complications because the procedure often results in removal of long, well-fixed stems from the diaphysis. A less-aggressive surgical approach, such as debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention (DAIR), may be attractive to patients and surgeons because of less morbidity, but the likelihood of eradicating infection in comparison to the traditional two-stage revision is not well established for oncology patients. Furthermore, the relative risk of subsequent amputation for DAIR versus two-stage revision has not been defined for this population. (1) How does DAIR compare with two-stage revision in terms of infection control for patients with distal femoral or proximal tibial segmental modular endoprostheses? (2) Is DAIR as an initial procedure associated with an increased risk of amputation compared with two-stage revision for infection? From the longitudinally maintained orthopaedic oncology surgical database at our institution, we identified 69 patients who had been treated for a clinical diagnosis of PJI at the knee between 1993 and 2015. We excluded 32% (22) of patients who did not meet at least one of the major criteria of the Musculoskeletal Infection Society (MSIS) for PJI, 3% (2) of patients who underwent immediate amputation, 3% (2) of patients who had a follow-up time of < 24 months, and 7% (5) of patients who did not have a primary tumor of the distal femur or proximal tibia. The study consisted of 38 patients, of whom eight underwent two-stage revision, 26 underwent DAIR, and four underwent extended DAIR (removal of all segmental components but with retention of stems and components fixed in bone) for their initial surgical procedure. To be considered free of infection, patients had to meet MSIS standards, including no positive cultures, drainage, or surgical debridement for a minimum of 2 years from the last operation. Factors associated with time-dependent risk of infection relapse, clearance, amputation, and patient survival were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier survivorship curves and the log-rank test to compare factors. Association of demographic and treatment factors was assessed using chi-square and Fisher exact tests. Continuous infection-free survival at 5 years was 16% (95% CI 2% to 29%) for patients undergoing DAIR compared with 75% (95% CI 45% to 100%) for patients undergoing two-stage revision (p = 0.006). The median (range) number of total surgical procedures was 3 per patient (1 to 10) for DAIR and 2 (2 to 5) for two-stage revision. Twenty-nine percent (11 of 38) of patients eventually underwent amputation. Survival without amputation was 69% (95% CI 51% to 86%) for DAIR compared with 88% (95% CI 65% to 100%) for two-stage revision at 5 years (p = 0.34). The cumulative proportion of patients achieving infection-free status (> 2 years continuously after last treatment) and limb preservation was 58% (95% CI 36% to 80%) for patients initially treated with DAIR versus 87% (95% CI 65% to 100%) for patients first treated with two-stage revision (p = 0.001). Infection control was better with two-stage revision than DAIR. The chance of eventual clearance of infection with limb preservation was better when two-stage revision was chosen as the initial treatment. However, the loss to follow-up in the two-stage revision group would likely make the true proportion of infection control lower than our estimate. Our experience would suggest that the process of infection eradication is a complex and difficult one. Most patients undergo multiple operations. Nearly one-third of patients eventually underwent amputation, and this was a serious risk for both groups. While we cannot strongly recommend one approach over the other based on our data, we would still consider the use of DAIR in patients who present with acute short duration of symptoms (< 3 weeks), no radiographic signs of erosion around fixed implants, and organisms other than Staphylococcus aureus. We would advocate the extended DAIR procedure with removal of all segmental or modular components, and we would caution patients that there is a high likelihood of needing further surgery. A prospective trial with strict adherence to indications may be needed to evaluate the relative merits of an extended DAIR procedure versus a two-stage revision. Level III, therapeutic study.

An overview of the current diagnostic approach to Periprosthetic Joint Infections.

The diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infections (PJI) presents a formidable challenge to orthopaedic surgeons due to its complex and diverse manifestations. Accurate diagnosis is of utmost importance, as even mild pain following joint replacement surgery may indicate PJI in the absence of a definitive gold standard diagnostic test. Numerous diagnostic modalities have been suggested in the literature, and international societies have continually updated diagnostic criteria for this debilitating complication. This review article aims to comprehensively examine the latest evidence-based approaches for diagnosing PJI. Through a thorough analysis of current literature, we explore promising diagnostic strategies that have demonstrated effectiveness in identifying PJI. These strategies encompass the utilization of laboratory markers, such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP), alongside imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and leukocyte scintigraphy. Additionally, we highlight the importance of synovial fluid analysis, including the potential role of alpha-defensin as a biomarker, and examine evolving international diagnostic criteria to standardize and improve diagnostic accuracy.

Rapid differential diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection by microdroplet reaction on portable biochip and indicator

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a catastrophic complication after joint arthroplasty. A key step to treat PJI is accurate diagnosis. However, according to the existing guidelines, no biomarker has been used to diagnose PJI alone and autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) often interfere with the diagnosis. Patients with PJI often still face issues such as misdiagnosis and delayed treatment after a comprehensive scoring diagnosis. Thus, a rapid quantitative detection method based on excellent biomarker is needed. Here, an all-printed photonic crystal (PC) biochip is reported. Through the fluorescence enhancement effect of the photonic crystals and the design of the hydrophilic and hydrophobic patterning structure, trace detection of lactoferrin (LTF) in a drop of viscous synovial fluid can be achieved within 10 min by the biochip. The detection limit is as low as 4.6 ng/mL. For more intuitive results, portable testing equipment is developed with indicator light displays of three colors (green = NPJI, yellow = RA, and red = PJI) to indicate the diagnosis depending on the biochip’s fluorescence intensity. Furthermore, 79 clinical synovial fluid samples are tested with PC biochips, and the PC results are in good agreement with the ELISA results. Due to the microdroplet reaction on PCs, biochips are suitable for the detection of the selected markers in the synovial fluid. The use of the three-color portable testing equipment avoids the need for professional testing devices. Overall, this strategy provides a new paradigm for the early and differential diagnoses of PJI.

Current Status and Perspectives of Diagnosis and Treatment of Periprosthetic Joint Infection.

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a catastrophic complication following joint replacement surgery, posing significant challenges to orthopedic surgeons. Due to the lack of a definitive diagnostic gold standard, timely treatment initiation is problematic, resulting in substantial economic burdens on patients and society. In this review, we thoroughly analyze the complexities of PJI and emphasize the importance of accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. The article specifically focuses on the advancements in diagnostic techniques, ranging from traditional pathogen culture to advanced molecular diagnostics, and discusses their role in enhancing diagnostic accuracy. Additionally, we review the latest surgical management strategies, including everything from debridement to revision surgeries. Our summary aims to provide practical information for the diagnosis and treatment of PJI and encourages further research to improve diagnostic accuracy and treatment outcomes.

Investigation of the pathogen-specific antibody response in periprosthetic joint infection.

Periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) are a very demanding complication of arthroplasty. Diagnosis of PJI and pathogen identification pose considerable challenges in clinical practice. We hypothesized that the pathogen-specific immune response to PJI reflects the infection process, provides clinically relevant information on disease course, and has the potential to further optimize antimicrobial therapy. We conducted a prospective matched cohort pilot study with 13 patients undergoing two-stage septic revision arthroplasty (PJI patients) between 06/2020 and 06/2021, as well as 11 control patients undergoing one-stage aseptic revision arthroplasty (Non-PJI patients). Pre-, intra- and postoperative serum samples were collected at standardized time points. We developed a custom Luminex®-based quantitative bead-based suspension array (Infection Array; IA), and used it for simultaneous measurement of antibody specificities against 32 pathogens commonly associated with PJI in 267 serum samples. The IA was able to trace the dynamics of the pathogen-specific humoral immune response in all patients against PJI-related pathogens, prominently coagulase-negative staphylococci and streptococci. Pathogen-specific serum antibody titers declined in 62% of PJI patients over the course of treatment, while no changes in antibody titers were observed in 82% of Non-PJI patients during this study. Our serological data strongly suggested that antibody signatures reflect an immune response to microbial invasion. Our results provide insights into the pathophysiology of PJI and information on the individual disease courses. The IA is therefore a promising and novel serological tool of high resolution for monitoring the immunoproteomic footprints of infectious pathogens in the course of PJI.

Diagnosing periprosthetic hip joint infection with new-generation 0.55 T MRI

PurposeTo assess the accuracy of 0.55 T MRI in diagnosing periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) in patients with symptomatic total hip arthroplasty (THA). Material and methods0.55 T MRI of patients with THA PJI (Group A) and noninfected THA (Group B), including aseptic loosening (Group C, subgroup of B) performed between May 2021 and July 2023 were analysed retrospectively.Two musculoskeletal fellowship-trained radiologists independently identified MRI bone and soft tissue changes including: marrow oedema, periosteal reaction, osteolysis, joint effusion, capsule oedema and thickening, fluid collections, muscle oedema, bursitis, inguinal adenopathy, and muscle tears. The diagnostic performance of MRI discriminators of PJI was evaluated using Fisher’s exact test (p < 0.05) and interrater reliability was determined. 61 MRI scans from 60 THA patients (34 female, median age 68, range 41–93 years) in Group A (n = 9; female 4; median age 69, range 56–82 years), B (n = 51; 30; 67.5, 41–93 years), and C (10; 6; 67; 41–82 years) were included. ResultsCapsule oedema (sensitivity 89 %, specificity 92 %,), intramuscular oedema (89 %, 82 %) and joint effusion (89 %, 73 %) were the best performing discriminators for PJI diagnosis (p ≤ 0.001), when viewed individually and had combined 70 % sensitivity and 100 % specificity for PJI diagnosis in parallel testing. For the differentiation between PJI and aseptic loosening, intramuscular oedema (89 %, 80 %) and capsule oedema (89 %, 80 %) were significant discriminators (p ≤ 0.001) with combined 64 % sensitivity and 96 % specificity for PJI. ConclusionsNew generation 0.55 T MRI may aid in the detection of PJI in symptomatic patients. Oedema of the joint capsule, adjacent muscles as well as joint effusion were indicative of the presence of PJI.

Serum and Synovial Markers in the Diagnosis of Periprosthetic Joint Infection of the Hip, Knee, and Shoulder: An Algorithmic Approach.

➤ No single test has demonstrated absolute accuracy for the diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI).➤ Physicians rely on a combination of serological tests, synovial markers, and clinical findings plus clinical judgment to help to guide preoperative decision-making.➤ Several organizations have proposed criteria for the diagnosis of hip or knee PJI on which we now rely.➤ Given that shoulder arthroplasty has only recently become popular, it is possible that a shoulder-specific definition of PJI will be introduced in the coming years.➤ Although a number of serum and synovial markers have demonstrated high accuracy for the diagnosis of PJI of the hip and knee, further research is needed in order to identify markers that may be more suitable for the diagnosis of shoulder PJI and for the potential development and identification of specific serological tests as screening tools for PJI.

Development of a multiplex Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) for the diagnosis of bacterial periprosthetic joint infection.

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is one of the most serious and debilitating complications that can occur after total joint arthroplasty. Therefore, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are important for a good prognosis. Recently, molecular diagnostic methods have been widely used to detect the causative microorganisms of PJI sensitively and rapidly. The Multiplex Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) method eliminates the complex temperature cycling and delays caused by temperature transitions seen in polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods, making it faster and easier to perform compared to PCR-based assays. Therefore, this study developed a multiplex LAMP assay for diagnosing bacterial PJI using LAMP technology and evaluated its analytical and clinical performance. We developed a multiplex LAMP assay for the detection of five bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus agalactiae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli, frequently observed to be the causative agents of PJI. The method of analytical sensitivity and cross-reactivity were determined by spiking standard strains into the joint synovial fluid. The analytical sensitivity of the multiplex LAMP assay was compared with that of a quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assay. Clinical performance was evaluated using 20 joint synovial fluid samples collected from patients suspected of having bacterial PJI. The analytical sensitivity of the gram-positive bacterial multiplex LAMP assay and qPCR were 105/104 CFU/mL, 103/103 CFU/mL, and 105/104 CFU/mL against S. agalactiae, S. epidermidis, and S. aureus, respectively. For P. aeruginosa and E. coli, the analytical sensitivity of the multiplex LAMP and qPCR assays were 105/104 and 106/104 CFU/mL, respectively. The multiplex LAMP assay detects target bacteria without cross-reacting with other bacteria, and exhibited 100% sensitivity and specificity in clinical performance evaluation. This multiplex LAMP assay can rapidly detect five high-prevalence bacterial species causing bacterial PJI, with excellent sensitivity and specificity, in less than 1 h, and it may be useful for the early diagnosis of PJI.

Is there a role of calprotectin testing in the diagnosis of surgical site infections after total hip and knee arthroplasty? A preliminary study.

Recent studies have revealed the usefulness of synovial calprotectin (CLP) in diagnosing chronic periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs). However, there is still a lack of evidence to support the use of serum CLP in the diagnosis of early PJIs and surgical site infections (SSIs) after total joint arthroplasties (TJAs). The primary aim of this study is to investigate the standard kinetics of CLP concentrations in the blood during the very early postoperative period after non-complicated total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The secondary aim was to perform a preliminary comparison of CLP concentrations between non-infected patients and patients with recognized SSIs. A total of 64 consecutive patients who underwent primary THA and TKA were included in this prospective research. Sixty patients (30 THA and 30 TKA) were scheduled to determine the standard shape of the blood CLP curve and the expected concentrations during the first 5 postoperative days after non-complicated TJAs. In 4 additonal patients, early SSI was confirmed, and they were included in a separate SSI subgroup. Calprotectin demonstrated a linear increase during the first 5 postoperative days. Statistically significant differences in CLP concentrations between non-infected cases and SSIs were not observed. The preoperative median results with interquartile range (Q1-Q3) were 0.52 (0.39-0.64) mg/dL and 0.5 (0.47-0.52) mg/dL (p = 0.77), while post operation they were as follows: on postoperative day 1: 0.88 (0.53-1.3) mg/dL and 0.86 (0.62-1.1) mg/dL (p = 0.84), on postoperative day 3: 1.77 (1.29-2.08) mg/dL and 1.85 (1.70-1.95) mg/dL (p = 0.72), and on postoperative day 5: 2.32 (1.79-2.67) mg/dL and 2.56 (2.25-2.83) mg/dL (p = 0.55), respectively. Serial CLP measurements during the early postoperative period revealed a linear (statistically significant) increase in concentration to postoperative day 5 without an evident point of decrease. A significant difference in median values and the course of curve patterns between the non-complicated and SSI groups was not observed.

Evaluating Modern Spacer Options and Outcomes in Revision Hip Arthroplasty

BackgroundA 2-stage revision continues to be the standard treatment for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) in hip arthroplasty. The use of “functional” spacers may allow patients to return to daily living while optimizing their health for revision surgery. We aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of different spacer types regarding infection eradication, mechanical complications, and functional outcomes. MethodsPatients who have complete Musculoskeletal Infection Society criteria for diagnosis of PJI that underwent one-stage or 2-stage revision were queried in an institutional surgical database between 2002 and 2022. Out of 286 patients, 210 met our inclusion criteria and were retrospectively reviewed for demographics, laboratory values, functional and patient-reported outcomes, and subsequent revisions. The study population had 54.3% women, a mean age of 61 years old, and a mean follow-up of 3.7 ± 3.2 years. There was no difference between age, body mass index, or Charlson Comorbidity Index scores between each cohort. Spacers were categorized as nonfunctional static, nonfunctional articulating, or functional articulating. Functional spacers were defined as those that allowed full weight bearing with no restrictions. Delphi criteria were used to define revision success, and failure was defined as a recurrent or persistent infection following definitive surgery. ResultsThere was a significantly lower reoperation rate after a definitive implant in the functional articulating cohort (P = .003), with a trending higher infection eradication rate and a lower rate of spacer failure compared to the nonfunctional spacer cohort. At 5 years, functional articulating spacers had a 94.1% survivorship rate, nonfunctional articulating spacers had an 81.2% survival rate, and nonfunctional static spacers had a 71.4% survival rate. In the functional articulating spacer cohort, 14.6% had yet to get reimplanted, with an average follow-up time of 1.4 years. ConclusionsWithin this large cohort of similar demographics, functional articulating spacers may result in better clinical outcomes and infection eradication during 2-stage revision arthroplasty for PJI.

Bead-beating assay during synovial fluid DNA extraction improves real-time PCR accuracy for periprosthetic joint infection.

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based genetic diagnosis is a rapid and sensitive method to diagnose periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). DNA extraction using bead beating is an effective method for collecting bacterial genes in Gram-positive bacteria. We compared the detection accuracy between the conventional and bead-beating DNA extraction assay. The detection rate improved from 86.7% using the conventional method to 95.6% using the bead-beating. Our results suggest that bead-beating during DNA extraction can improve the accuracy of PCR-based genetic diagnosis of PJI.

Results of a monocentric field study: value of histology compared to sonication method and conventional tissue culture in the diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI).

To confirm the diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) and the International Consensus Meeting (ICM) have defined criteria that include histology as a minor criterion and the sonication method only as an additional criterion. The aim of this monocentric, retrospective study was to investigate the value of histology and whether sonication leads to a more accurate diagnosis. All revision surgeries for knee and hip arthroplasty between 2017 and 2020 were included. With regard to microbiological diagnostic, conventional culture of periprosthetic biopsies and sonication of explant material were performed. In addition, histology and non-specific inflammatory markers (CRP, leukocytes) were recorded. A total of 78 patients with PJI and 62 aseptic controls were included. From both microbiological methods (conventional culture / sonication), Staphyloccus (S.) epidermidis and S. aureus were detected most frequently. However, compared to the conventional microbiology, a higher sensitivity was calculated for sonication, albeit with a lower specificity in relation to a PJI. In two logistic regression models for the significance of all diagnostic parameters in PJI, the AUC was 0.92 and 0.96 with histology in particular making the decisive contribution in both models (p < 0. 001, both models). Since histology showed the highest accuracy in the current study, its importance in the PJI criteria should be reevaluated. Sonication shows a high sensitivity for germ detection with a lower specificity and should only be used in combination with the conventional culture for microbiolgical diagnostics.

Synovial fluid NMR-based metabolomics in septic and aseptic revision total knee arthroplasty: Implications on diagnosis and treatment.

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is one of the most challenging complications following total knee arthroplasty. Despite its importance, there is a paucity of reports in the literature regarding its pathogenesis. Recently, cellular metabolic reprogramming has been shown to play an important role in the progression and outcome of infectious diseases. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the metabolites composition of the synovial fluid from patients with PJI or aseptic failure of total knee arthroplasties. The synovial fluids from 21 patients scheduled for revision total knee arthroplasty (11 with the diagnosis of PJI and 10 with aseptic failures) were analyzed using 1D 1H NMR spectroscopy. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyzes were used to identify metabolites that were differentially abundant between those groups. A total of 28 metabolites were identified and five of them found to be differentially abundant between infected and non-infected synovial fluids. Lactate, acetate and 3-hydroxybutyrate were found to be in a higher concentration, and glucose and creatine were found reduced in the synovial fluid from PJI patients. Synovial fluid from patients with PJI exhibit a distinct metabolic profile, possibly reflecting metabolic adaptation that occurs in the infected periprosthetic microenvironment. Further research and studies are warranted to gain a broader insight into the metabolic pathways engaged by both pathogen and immune cells in the context of a PJI.

Patient-Reported Outcomes Following Periprosthetic Joint Infection of the Hip and Knee: A Longitudinal, Prospective Observational Study.

The role of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) as tools for monitoring the impact and outcomes of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is not well described. This study analyzed the Oxford Hip Score (OHS) or Oxford Knee Score (OKS) in a prospective observational cohort of patients with hip or knee PJI. The PIANO (Prosthetic joint Infection in Australia and New Zealand, Observational study) cohort prospectively enrolled patients with newly diagnosed PJI from multiple centers. The OHS and OKS were evaluated at PJI diagnosis (baseline) and at 3, 12, and 24 months. Scores and score changes were examined according to PJI type, patient characteristics, and management. A successful functional outcome at 12 months was defined as an OHS of >38 or OHS of >36 and/or an improvement from baseline of >12 or >9, respectively. Of the 741 participants, PROMs were available at 12 months for 233 with hip and 342 with knee PJI. Significant improvements (p < 0.0001) were seen at 12 months for both the OHS (24.5 to 36) and OKS (25 to 34), with no further improvement at 24 months. Patients with late-acute PJI had a higher median baseline OHS (35; interquartile range [22 to 46]) and OKS (30 [18 to 41]) than those with early PJI (OHS: 19 [15 to 29]; OKS: 22 [16 to 29.5]) or chronic PJI (OHS: 23 [14 to 34]; OKS 22 [14 to 28]). Logistic regression showed that a clinical cure (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.88, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.28 to 2.76, p = 0.001) and early PJI (aOR = 2.56, 95% CI = 1.64 to 4.07, p < 0.0001) independently predicted a successful functional outcome. Chronic renal impairment (aOR = 0.31, 95% CI = 0.13 to 0.71, p = 0.007), congestive cardiac failure (aOR = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.17 to 0.95, p = 0.04), and clinical signs of inflammation (aOR = 0.53, 95% CI = 0.33 to 0.85, p = 0.009) at diagnosis independently predicted failure to achieve a successful functional outcome. The OHS and OKS varied significantly at baseline and 12 months according to PJI type, emphasizing the need to consider the PJI type when evaluating treatment success. This study highlights superior functional outcomes associated with early PJI and with achievement of a clinical cure. Therapeutic Level II . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Association Between Periprosthetic Joint Infection and Mortality Following Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty.

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) remains a dreaded and unpredictable complication after total hip arthroplasty (THA). In addition to causing substantial morbidity, PJI may contribute to long-term mortality risk. Our objective was to determine the long-term mortality risk associated with PJI following THA. This population-based, retrospective cohort study included adult patients (≥18 years old) in Ontario, Canada, who underwent their first primary elective THA for arthritis between April 1, 2002, and March 31, 2021. The primary outcome was death within 10 years after the index THA. Mortality was compared between propensity-score-matched groups (PJI within 1 year after surgery versus no PJI within 1 year after surgery) with use of survival analyses. Patients who died within 1 year after surgery were excluded to avoid immortal time bias. A total of 175,432 patients (95,883 [54.7%] women) with a mean age (and standard deviation) of 67 ± 11.4 years underwent primary THA during the study period. Of these, 868 patients (0.49%) underwent surgery for a PJI of the replaced joint within 1 year after the index procedure. After matching, patients with a PJI within the first year had a significantly higher 10-year mortality rate than their counterparts (11.4% [94 of 827 patients] versus 2.2% [18 of 827 patients]; absolute risk difference, 9.19% [95% confidence interval (CI), 6.81% to 11.6%]; hazard ratio, 5.49 [95% CI, 3.32 to 9.09]). PJI within 1 year after surgery is associated with over a fivefold increased risk of mortality within 10 years. The findings of this study underscore the importance of prioritizing efforts related to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of PJIs. Prognostic Level III . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Interleukin-1β Polymorphisms Are Genetic Markers of Susceptibility to Periprosthetic Joint Infection in Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty.

Periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) are serious complications of prosthetic surgery. The criteria for the diagnosis of PJI integrate clinical and laboratory findings in a complex and sometimes inconclusive workflow. Host immune factors hold potential as diagnostic biomarkers in bone and joint infections. We reported that the humoral pattern-recognition molecule long pentraxin 3 (PTX3) predicts PJI in total hip and knee arthroplasty (THA and TKA, respectively). If and how genetic variation in PTX3 and inflammatory genes that affect its expression (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-17A) contributes to the risk of PJI is unknown. We conducted a case-control study on a Caucasian historic cohort of THA and TKA patients who had prosthesis explant due to PJI (cases) or aseptic complications (controls). Saliva was collected from 93 subjects and used to extract DNA and genotype PTX3, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-17A single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Moreover, the concentration of IL-1β, IL-10, and IL-6 was measured in synovial fluid and plasma. No association was found between PTX3 polymorphisms and PJI; however, the AGG haplotype, encompassing rs2853550, rs1143634, and rs1143627 in IL-1β, was linked to the infection (p = 0.017). Also, synovial levels of all inflammatory markers were higher in cases than in controls, and a correlation emerged between synovial concentration of PTX3 and that of IL-1β in cases only (Spearman r = 0.67, p = 0.004). We identified a relationship between rs2853550 and the synovial concentration of IL-1β and PTX3. Our findings suggest that IL-1β SNPs could be used for the early identification of THA and TKA patients with a high risk of infection.

Hip Reconstruction In Situ with Screws and Cement (HiRISC) construct to treat large acetabular bone defects.

Large bone defects resulting from osteolysis, fractures, osteomyelitis, or metastases pose significant challenges in acetabular reconstruction for total hip arthroplasty. This study aimed to evaluate the survival and radiological outcomes of an acetabular reconstruction technique in patients at high risk of reconstruction failure (i.e. periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), poor bone stock, immunosuppressed patients), referred to as Hip Reconstruction In Situ with Screws and Cement (HiRISC). This involves a polyethylene liner embedded in cement-filled bone defects reinforced with screws and/or plates for enhanced fixation. A retrospective chart review of 59 consecutive acetabular reconstructions was performed by four surgeons in a single institution from 18 October 2018 to 5 January 2023. Cases were classified based on the Paprosky classification, excluding type 1 cases (n = 26) and including types 2 or 3 for analysis (n = 33). Radiological loosening was evaluated by an orthopaedic surgeon who was not the operating surgeon, by comparing the immediate postoperative radiographs with the ones at latest follow-up. Mean follow-up was 557 days (SD 441; 31 to 1,707). Out of the 33 cases analyzed, six (18.2%) constructs required revision, with four revisions due to uncontrolled infection, one for dislocation, and one for aseptic loosening. Among the 27 non-revised constructs, only one showed wider radiolucencies compared to immediate postoperative radiographs, indicating potential loosening. Patients who underwent revision (n = 6) were significantly younger and had a higher BMI compared to those with non-revised constructs (p = 0.016 and p = 0.026, respectively). Sex, race, ethnicity, American Society of Anesthesiologists grade, infection status (patients with postoperative PJI diagnosis (septic) vs patients without such diagnosis (aseptic)), and mean follow-up did not significantly differ between revised and non-revised groups. The HiRISC technique may serve as a feasible short-term (about one to two years) alternative in patients with large acetabular defects, particularly in cases of PJI. Longer follow-up is necessary to establish the long-term survival of this technique.

Significance of serum protein electrophoresis in the diagnosis of Tsukayama type IV periprosthetic joint infection.

To investigate the efficacy of serum protein electrophoresis (SPE) in the diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) after hip and knee arthroplasty. The medical records of patients undergoing hip and knee arthroplasty at a class A tertiary hospital between August 2013 and January 2021 were retrospectively investigated. A total of 179 patients were included and divided into two groups: 66 patients in the PJI group and 113 patients in the aseptic loosening (AL) group. Serum C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), D-dimer, Fibrinogen, Serum albumin and the proportion of serum protein in SPE were compared between the two groups. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were determined using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and the diagnostic value was compared using the area under the ROC curve (AUC). There was no significant difference in age, sex and body mass index (BMI) between PJI group and AL group (P>0.05), but there was significant difference in the ratio of hip to knee (X2=22.043, P<0.001). The CRP, ESR, D-dimer, Fibrinogen and the proportion of α1 globulin band in PJI group was 22.99(10.55,40.58) mg/L, 37.00(23.00,61.70) mm/h, 790.00(500.00,1500.00) ng/ml, 4.84(3.81,5.55) g/L and 5.80(5.00,7.73) % which was higher than that in AL group [1.89(0.50,4.12) mg/L, U=7.984, P<0.001; 10.10(7.00,16.90) mm/h, U=8.095, P<0.001; 570.00(372.50,780.00) ng/ml, U=3.448, P<0.001; 2.84(2.45,3.43) g/L, U=8.053, P<0.001 and 4.20(3.90,4.80) %, U=8.154, P<0.001]. The Serum albumin and the proportion of Albumin band in PJI group was 36.10(33.10,39.00) g/L and 49.00(44.95,52.20) % which was lower than that in AL group [38.10(34.00,41.10) g/L, U=-2.383, P=0.017 and 54.40(51.55,56.70) %, U=-6.162, P<0.001]. The proportion of In PJI group, the AUC of proportion of α1 globulin was 0.8654, which was equivalent to CRP (0.8698), ESR (0.8680) and outperformed that of fibrinogen (0.8025). Elevated proportion of α1 globulin in SPE presented with good diagnostic value for Tsukayama type IV PJI, and its accuracy was comparable to those of ESR and CRP. And α1 globulin can assist with CRP and ESR to determining the timing of second-stage revision.