Septic Arthritis Research Articles

Is Dexamethasone Administration During Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty Safe in Diabetic Patients?

Dexamethasone is used extensively during total hip and knee arthroplasty total joint arthroplasty (TJA) to control pain and decrease the risk of nausea and vomiting. However, the safety of dexamethasone utilization in diabetic patients is poorly understood. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate complications associated with perioperative dexamethasone administration during primary TJA in diabetic patients. The Premier Healthcare Database was queried for all patients with diabetes mellitus who underwent primary elective TJA from 2015 to 2020. Patients who received intravenous dexamethasone on the day of surgery were compared with those who did not. Patient characteristics, hospital factors, and rates of medical comorbidities were assessed and compared between the cohorts. Multivariate logistic regression was done to assess the 90-day risk of infectious and noninfectious postoperative complications. Overall, 261,474 diabetic patients were included for analysis, 122,631 (46.9%) of whom received dexamethasone. The two cohorts were similar in patient demographics, hospital characteristics, and comorbidity burden (absolute range of differences: 0.00 to 2.33%). Diabetic patients who received dexamethasone had decreased odds of periprosthetic joint infection (adjusted odds ratio 0.82, 95%-CI: 0.75 to 0.90, P < 0.001) and sepsis (aOR: 0.80, 95%-CI: 0.72 to 0.89, P < 0.001) compared with those who did not. Patients who received dexamethasone had shorter length of stay compared with those who did not (1.87 ± 1.60 days vs. 2.27 ± 1.88 days, P < 0.001). The adjusted odds of postoperative hyperglycemia were markedly higher in the dexamethasone group (aOR: 1.14, 95%-CI: 1.10 to 1.18, P < 0.001). Use of perioperative dexamethasone was not associated with the increased risk of infectious complications among diabetic patients undergoing TJA, supporting its safety in this high-risk population.

Efficacy of Intraarticular Vancomycin in Preventing Infection in Patients Undergoing Hip Hemiarthroplasty

Background: Hip fractures are among the top ten causes of disability in adults worldwide. Patients with hip fracture are at significant risk of mortality and morbidity and reduced quality of life. This study was conducted with the aim of investigating the effect of intra-articular vancomycin in preventing infection in patients undergoing hip hemiarthroplasty. Materials and Methods: This double-blind controlled clinical trial study was conducted on 48 patients with femoral neck fracture candidates for hip hemiarthroplasty hemiarthroplasty in Orthopedic clinic of Golestan and Imam Khomeini Hospital, Ahvaz, Iran between June and November 2023. Eligible patients were divided into two equal groups. The intervention group received 1gram vancomycin intra-articularly during the operation before closure of fascia, and the control group did not receive vancomycin. The patients were followed up for 6 months after the operation, and the rate of superficial infection, periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) and wound complications were compared in two groups. The obtained data were statistically analyzed with IBM SPSS Statistics 21.0 for Windows. Results: The vancomycin group and the control group had no significant difference in the incidence of overall infection. The PJI in vancomycin and control groups were 4.16% and 8.33%, respectively. This difference was not statistically considerable (P=0.55). The results showed the incidence of superficial estimated 8.33% in vancomycin group and 4.16% in control group with no considerable difference in infection (P=0.52). Moreover, there was no meaningful difference in side effects between the two groups (P=0.63). There was no significant difference in wound complications between the two groups (P=0.3). . Conclusion: Intra-articular injection of 1gram of vancomycin suspension did not reduce the overall, superficial and deep infection after surgery. It is suggested that more clinical trial studies with higher sample size be conducted.

Preoperative, Intraoperative & Postoperative Concepts to Prevent Infection for Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a complication that occurs in less than 1% of patients after unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). Though infrequent, it may potentially lead to revision while placing a significant financial burden on the healthcare system. Pre-operative, intra-operative, and postoperative strategies should be implemented to minimize the risk of PJI. Patient optimization prior to surgery can help to identify patients at risk for PJI and also maximize the health of the patient prior to surgery. Intraoperative and postoperative strategies can also mitigate the risk of postoperative infection. This article will summarize the evidence for preoperative, intra-operative, and postoperative strategies to prevent PJI in UKA. This will include topics on malnutrition and obesity, staphylococcus aureus, smoking, human immunodeficiency virus, rheumatoid arthritis, as well as skin preparation, laminar air flow, preoperative antibiotic administration anti-microbial incision drapes, pulsatile lavage, vancomycin powder, wound closure method, thromboprophylactic agents, and closed incisional negative pressure wound therapy dressings.

Tissue niche influences immune and metabolic profiles to Staphylococcus aureus biofilm infection

Infection is a devastating post-surgical complication, often requiring additional procedures and prolonged antibiotic therapy. This is especially relevant for craniotomy and prosthetic joint infections (PJI), both of which are characterized by biofilm formation on the bone or implant surface, respectively, with S. aureus representing a primary cause. The local tissue microenvironment likely has profound effects on immune attributes that can influence treatment efficacy, which becomes critical to consider when developing therapeutics for biofilm infections. However, the extent to which distinct tissue niches influence immune function during biofilm development remains relatively unknown. To address this, we compare the metabolomic, transcriptomic, and functional attributes of leukocytes in mouse models of S. aureus craniotomy and PJI complemented with patient samples from both infection modalities, which reveals profound tissue niche-dependent differences in nucleic acid, amino acid, and lipid metabolism with links to immune modulation. These signatures are both spatially and temporally distinct, differing not only between infection sites but evolving over time within a single model. Collectively, this demonstrates that biofilms elicit unique immune and metabolic responses that are heavily influenced by the local tissue microenvironment, which will likely have important implications when designing therapeutic approaches targeting these infections.

Arthroscopy Within Three Months Prior to Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty Is Associated With an Increased Rate of Periprosthetic Joint Infection

BackgroundArthroscopy remains a commonly performed procedure in patients who have meniscal or other osteochondral pathology prior to ultimately being indicated for unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). The purpose of this study was to examine the timing of knee arthroscopy prior to UKA and its association with 2-year periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) rates and medical and surgical complications. MethodsPatients undergoing UKA who had history of ipsilateral arthroscopy within 2 years prior to the UKA were identified in a national insurance database. A control cohort of propensity matched patients who did not have a history of arthroscopy was identified. Study cohorts were established based on timing of the arthroscopic procedure: 0 to 3, 3 to 6, 6 to12, and 12 to 24 months prior to UKA. Patients were included if they had 2-year postoperative follow-up after UKA. The 90-day rates of postoperative medical and 2-year surgical complications were recorded. Multivariate analysis was conducted to account for confounding variables and covariates. ResultsA final cohort of 3,471 patients met inclusion criteria. Patients undergoing UKA within three months of the arthroscopic procedure demonstrated a higher incidence of PJI when compared to the control cohort (3.30 versus 1.12%, P = 0.012). In addition, there was an increased rate of periprosthetic fracture observed in those undergoing UKA within three months of arthroscopy when compared to the control (1.10 versus 0.20%, P = 0.010). ConclusionsPatients undergoing ipsilateral arthroscopy within three months of a UKA demonstrated a nearly 3-fold increased incidence of PJI when compared to the control. There was no increased incidence of PJI when UKA was staged greater than three months after arthroscopy. These findings provide insight for preoperative considerations for arthroplasty surgeons in this patient population. Level of EvidenceLevel III, retrospective comparative study.

The Association of Glycemic Control Medication Regimens and Preoperative Fructosamine Among Total Joint Artrhoplasty Patients.

Although glycated hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) has classically been used for glycemic control screening before surgery, fructosamine, a short-term glucose variability indicator, has been reported to be a more accurate predictor of postoperative periprosthetic joint infection among patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Given the variability of diabetic medication management, this study aims to identify the associated effect of glycemic control medication regimen (GCMR) on the incidence rate and associated odds of abnormal preoperative fructosamine levels among diabetic primary total knee arthroplasty or total hip arthroplasty patients. Between 2017 and 2018, consecutive series of total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty patients were identified, and the final cohort included only diabetic patients. All patients reported preoperative HbA1c and fructosamine levels. GCMR categories included insulin, metformin, and other. Independent risk of GCMR and abnormal fructosamine levels (>293 µmol/L) were identified using multivariable logistic regression, while controlling for preoperative baseline factors including HbA1C. Among 420 patients, 15.7% (66/420) were diabetic, of whom 22.7% (15/66) reported an abnormal fructosamine level. Among patients requiring GCMR, 24.0% (18/75), 56.0% (42/75), and 77.7% (58/75) reported using insulin, other, and metformin, respectively. Multivariable logistic regressions demonstrated that insulin-dependent patients with DM reported a 1.71 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.096 to 30.213, P = 0.716) increased odds of abnormal fructosamine levels compared with nonactive GCMR patients, whereas patients managed with metformin and other glycemic control medications reported a protective 0.48 (95% CI, 0.418 to 5.407, P = 0.549) and 0.32 (95% CI, 0.216 to 4.508, P = 0.393) decreased odds of abnormal fructosamine levels, respectively. In this study, insulin and other GCMR medications exhibited a trend for increased and decreased odds of having abnormal preoperative fructosamine levels while controlling for baseline HbA1c level compared with patients with DM without active GCMR. This association may be explained by multifactorial short-term glucose variability in insulin users, indicating the continued need and optimization of short-term glycemic variations instead of HbA1c.

Efficacy and safety of 10mg versus 30mg of oral prednisolone for acute CPP crystal arthritis: findings of a randomized controlled trial.

The optimal prednisolone dose for managing acute calcium pyrophosphate (CPP) crystal arthritis remains unclear. We compared the efficacy and safety of 10- and 30-mg daily doses of prednisolone for acute CPP crystal arthritis. This randomized, controlled, open-label trial included patients with acute CPP crystal arthritis and symptoms that had begun less than 72h earlier. Patients without CPP crystals, those with septic arthritis, and those with uncontrolled infections were excluded. Participants received either 10 or 30mg of prednisolone daily for 7days. The primary outcome was time until complete resolution of symptoms; secondary outcomes included time until clinical resolution, recurrence rates, laboratory profiles, and adverse events, adjusted for confounders. Seventy-nine patients participated. Baseline characteristics were comparable, except that the 30-mg recipients had more initial inpatient visits (p = 0.03). The median time until complete resolution was 7days in both groups (p = 0.73). The 30-mg recipients exhibited faster clinical resolution (1 vs. 3days; p = 0.03), but adjusted analyses revealed no significant differences in time until complete resolution (6.2 vs. 6.5days; p = 0.68) or clinical resolution (2.4 vs. 2days; p = 0.27). The overall recurrence rate was 14.3%; the 30-mg recipients experienced slightly more recurrences (p = 0.08). The other secondary outcomes did not differ significantly. The 10- and 30-mg daily doses of prednisolone were equally effective in treating acute symptoms of CPP crystal arthritis, with no significant differences in resolution time, recurrence rates, or safety outcomes.

Transforming rehabilitation: A narrative review on reversible knee flexor contracture assistive devices

Abstract: Joint contracture, marked by restricted joint movement due to connective tissue and muscle shortening, is a common complication in chronic musculoskeletal conditions such as osteoarthritis, osteonecrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, healed septic joint, and postsurgical complications. This limitation adversely impacts joint mobility and flexibility, increasing the likelihood of physical constraints. Contractures elevate the risk of impaired self-care, limited physical mobility, and hindered social activities, emphasizing the critical need to manage such contractures. The study aims to find the most appropriate, effective, user-friendly mechanical device to treat reversible knee flexor contracture. Method of a literature review was conducted utilizing PubMed, Google Scholar, and the physiotherapy evidence database (PEDro) up to April 2023. The inclusion criteria comprised studies related to flexion contracture (FC), written in English languages were included. The literature searched using the terms “flexion contracture, hamstring contracture, knee flexor contracture, burn contracture, knee joint hypomobility, and devices for flexion contracture.” Result after applying the selection criteria, the initial screening of literature gives 35,400 results on Google Scholar, PubMed, and PEDro. Subsequently, 128 articles underwent screening based on abstract and full-text availability in the English language. Following this, seven articles were selected and thoroughly reviewed, which included randomized control trials, systematic reviews, and exploratory studies. The study concluded the use of conventional physiotherapy interventions, coupled with assistive devices, diminishes the burden on physiotherapists and provides effective improvements to patients with FCs.

Intraoperative 'space suits' do not reduce periprosthetic joint infections in shoulder arthroplasty.

Body exhaust suits or surgical helmet systems (colloquially, 'space suits') are frequently used in many forms of arthroplasty, with the aim of providing personal protection to surgeons and, perhaps, reducing periprosthetic joint infections, although this has not consistently been borne out in systematic reviews and registry studies. To date, no large-scale study has investigated whether this is applicable to shoulder arthroplasty. We used the New Zealand Joint Registry to assess whether the use of surgical helmet systems was associated with lower all-cause revision or revision for deep infection in primary shoulder arthroplasties. We analyzed 16,000 shoulder arthroplasties (hemiarthroplasties, anatomical, and reverse geometry prostheses) recorded on the New Zealand Joint Registry from its inception in 2000 to the present day. We assessed patient factors including age, BMI, sex, and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade, as well as whether or not the operation took place in a laminar flow operating theatre. A total of 2,728 operations (17%) took place using surgical helmet systems. Patient cohorts were broadly similar in terms of indication for surgery (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fractures) and medical comorbidities (age and sex). There were 842 revisions (5% of cases) with just 98 for deep infection (0.6% of all cases or 11.6% of the revisions). There were no differences in all-cause revisions or revision for deep infection between the surgical helmet systems and conventional gowns (p = 0.893 and p = 0.911, respectively). We found no evidence that wearing a surgical helmet system reduces the incidence of periprosthetic joint infection in any kind of primary shoulder arthroplasty. We acknowledge the limitations of this registry study and accept that there may be other benefits in terms of personal protection, comfort, or visibility. However, given their financial and ecological footprint, they should be used judiciously in shoulder surgery.

Construction and evaluation of a combined diagnostic model for chronic periprosthetic joint infection based on serological tests

BackgroundEarly diagnosis of chronic periprosthetic joint infection (CPJI) is crucial for ensuring effective treatment and improving patient outcomes. However, many auxiliary diagnostic tests are challenging to implement on a large scale due to economic and technical constraints, making CPJI diagnosis difficult. This study aims to design and validate a combined diagnostic model based on commonly used serological tests to evaluate its diagnostic value for CPJI and develop a diagnostic nomogram.MethodsA retrospective study from January 2019 to February 2024 involving 170 patients undergoing knee and hip arthroplasty revision for CPJI and aseptic loosening (AL) was conducted across two medical centers. These patients were divided into the training set and validation set. Patients were categorized into CPJI and AL groups based on infection status. Serological tests conducted upon admission were collected, and single-factor and multi-factor logistic regression analyses were used to identify independent diagnostic factors for early infection. These factors were integrated to construct a nomogram model. The model's performance was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic area under the curve (AUC), Hosmer–Lemeshow test, decision curve analysis (DCA), and calibration curve, with external validation conducted on the validation set.ResultsMultivariate logistic regression analysis showed that C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), and Platelet count/mean platelet volume ratio (PVR) were independent diagnostic factors for CPJI (p < 0.05). The AUCs for diagnosing CPJI using these individual factors were 0.806, 0.616, and 0.700 (p < 0.05), respectively, while their combined detection achieved an AUC of 0.861 (p < 0.05). The DCA clinical impact curve shows the combined model has good clinical utility when the threshold probability of infection presence is between 0.16 and 0.95. Similar results were obtained in the external validation cohort, with the combined detection having an AUC of 0.893.ConclusionThe combined diagnostic model of CRP, PCT, and PVR significantly improves the The combined diagnostic model of CRP, PCT, and PVR significantly improves the diagnostic performance for CPJI compared to individual serum biomarkers. It exhibits good sensitivity, specificity, and clinical applicability, providing valuable references for CPJI diagnosis.

Lack of Diagnostic Value from Fungal and Mycobacterial Cultures in Cases of Suspected Prosthetic Joint Infection

Abstract Introduction/Objective Infections of prosthetic joints cause significant morbidity and often result in removal of the infected joint. In many cases, an infectious etiology can be difficult to definitively identify. As a result, providers suspecting prosthetic joint infections (PJI) often place large order sets of microbiology tests, including fungal and mycobacterial cultures. Fungal and mycobacterial cultures are labor-intensive for the laboratory taking up to 28 days and 42 days, respectively, to complete. As a potential area for a diagnostic stewardship intervention, we wanted to evaluate how often a fungal or mycobacterial culture produced actionable information in cases of suspected PJI. Methods/Case Report Data reports were retrieved from both the Electronic Health Record (EHR) and the Laboratory Information System (LIS) from May 2022 to May 2023. As sources submitted by the provider often do not specify that the joint is prosthetic, data from LIS was evaluated to identify microbiology culture test sets ordered on joint sources, while data from EHR was examined to isolate patients with implanted joints. Using Microsoft Excel, data from both systems was compared in order to match microbiology culture test sets to the known implanted joints. LIS data from implanted joint sources was assessed to record negative (no growth) and positive (growth) cultures, and to register all organisms isolated. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) Of 794 order sets for cultures collected from prosthetic joint sources, 430 included requests for fungal culture and 79 included requests for mycobacterial culture. Of these 79 requests for mycobacterial culture, 0 organisms were isolated (0%). Of these 430 requests for fungal culture, 7 grew yeast (1.6%) and 7 out of 7 (100%) of these yeasts were also isolated on general (aerobic bacterial) culture. No molds were isolated. Conclusion Discontinuing the routine practice of ordering fungal and mycobacterial culture for prosthetic joint sources would have no negative impact on patient care but would reduce unnecessary work in the microbiology laboratory and potentially avoid additional costs to the patient. Education to the orthopedic provider group as well as best practice alerts in the EHR will be pursued, based on the findings from this study, in order to reduce unnecessary culture orders.

Mycobacterium terrae Complex Associated Lymphadenitis: Negative AFB PCR

Abstract Introduction/Objective Nontuberculous mycobacteria included with the Mycobacterium terrae complex (MTC) include a ubiquitous, slow-growing collection of mycobacteria known for causing severe resistant skin, joint, and bone infections. There are limited reports of M. Arupensis, included under MTC, causing human infections despite environmental ubiquity. Low sequencing sensitivity for species such as M. Arupensis may result in negative preliminary PCR speciation thus influencing the negative predictive value of this method of organism detection. No prior case reports have described MTC infection presenting as subacute lymphadenitis. Methods/Case Report A 48 year old El Salvadorian male with known diagnosis of HIV presented with oral thrush and significant left-sided lymphadenopathy. He was initially diagnosed with HIV in El Salvador and on ART until immigrating to the US six months prior. HIV antigen and antibody was positive with positive reflex viral PCR. QuantiFERON-TB Gold resulted positive, but CXR was without evidence of pulmonary TB. TB1, TB2, and mitogen minus NIL were negative. He was referred for fine needle aspiration and core needle biopsy of the left cervical lymph node. AFB and AFB FITE stains were performed, but no definitive mycobacteria were identified. GMS was performed and negative for fungal elements. A final histological diagnosis of necrotizing granuloma was given and the tissue was sent for bacterial, AFB, and fungal DNA PCR; no organisms were detected. A sputum sample was obtained and cultured four months after initial presentation and was positive for acid fast bacilli: Mycobacterium terrae complex, most closely resembling Mycobacterium arupensis. The Fite and AFB stains were again reviewed, revealing one single acid fast bacilli organism identified on Fite stain in the necrotizing granuloma. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) N/A Conclusion The negative AFB DNA PCR result may have been a false negative result due to poor sensitivity or selectivity for M. arupensis. There are no former reported cases of M. Arupensis associated necrotizing granulomas in lymph node. This unusual MTC infection presenting as chronic unilateral lymphadenitis underscores the importance of broadening clinical laboratory AFB DNA PCR sensitivity especially in cases of suspected AFB or modified AFB associated necrotizing granulomas.

Association between malnutrition status and total joint arthroplasty periprosthetic joint infection and surgical site infection: a systematic review meta-analysis

BackgroundMalnutrition is a state resulting from lack of intake or uptake of nutrition. Investigating the association between malnutrition and postoperative complications is essential for enhancing patient outcomes in total joint arthroplasty (TJA). This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the impact of malnutrition on the incidence of surgical site infections (SSIs) and periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) following TJA.MethodsThe data were searched from databases including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library inception through July 19 2023, without time restrictions. Inclusion criteria focused on studies examining malnutrition as a risk factor for SSIs and PJIs postarthroplasty, providing sufficient data for calculating odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Methodological quality was assessed using the Newcastle‒Ottawa Scale, and statistical analyses were executed in Stata version 17.ResultsA total of 1,025 articles were screened, and 9 studies satisfying the predefined inclusion criteria were consequently selected for this meta-analysis. Studies indicated that malnutrition is significant factor to the heightened incidence of both SSIs and PJIs following TJA procedures. Our pooled results yielded aggregated ORs of 2.60 for SSIs and 3.44 for PJIs, with respective 95% CIs of 2.10–3.10 and 2.35–4.53. The heterogeneity of malnutrition as a risk factor for postoperative SSI was I2 = 0.0% (p = 0.592), and for PJI was I2 = 0.0% (p = 0.422). Egger’s linear regression test showed no significant publication bias (p > 0.05).ConclusionsMalnutrition is a significant risk factor for SSIs and potentially PJIs in patients undergoing TJA. Preoperative optimization strategies targeted at malnourished patients are suggested to minimize postoperative complications clinically.

Prosthetic Joint Infection Research Models in NZW Rabbits: Opportunities for Standardization-A Systematic Review.

Prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a major complication following total arthroplasty. Rising antimicrobial resistance (AMR) to antibiotics will further increase therapeutic insufficiency. New antibacterial technologies are being developed to prevent PJI. In vivo models are still needed to bridge the translational gap to clinical implementation. Though rabbit models have been used most frequently, there is no consensus about methodology and measured outcomes. The PubMed, Scopus, and EMBASE databases were searched for literature on PJI in rabbit models. Data extraction included bias control, experimental design, and outcome measures of the NZW rabbit models in the articles. A total of 60 articles were included in this systematic literature review. The articles were divided into six groups based on the PJI intervention: no intervention used (21%), revision surgery (14%), prevention with only antibiotics (21%), prevention with surface modifications (7%), prevention with coatings (23%), and others (14%). Despite the current availability of guidelines and recommendations regarding experimental design, bias control, and outcome measures, many articles neglect to report on these matters. Ultimately, this analysis aims to assist researchers in determining suitable clinically relevant methodologies and outcome measures for in vivo PJI models using NZW rabbits to test new antimicrobial technologies.

Clinical Utility of a Multiplex PCR Panel (BioFire Joint Infection®) in the Adjustment of Empiric Antimicrobial Therapy: Experience in Pediatric Osteoarticular Infections.

This study aims to evaluate the impact of the PCR multiplex panel (BioFire JI®) on the diagnosis and management of pediatric osteoarticular infections. This retrospective study analyzed data from pediatric patients diagnosed with osteoarticular infections between January 2023 and April 2024. The effectiveness of the PCR multiplex panel in identifying pathogens was compared with traditional culture methods. In total, 50 patients were identified (66.6% male, 74% under 3 years of age). They were diagnosed as follows: septic arthritis in 46%, osteomyelitis in 26%, and septic osteoarthritis in 22%. An identifiable agent was isolated by conventional culture in 22 cases (44%). Kingella kingae was the predominant pathogen identified, accounting for 50% of cases (11/22), followed by Staphylococcus aureus (9/22). The BioFire JI® Panel PCR demonstrated a sensitivity of 93%, with a specificity of 63% when evaluated against synovial fluid culture as the reference standard. The panel identified seven additional pathogens not detected by conventional culture methods: 2/9 MSSA (22%), 1/1 S. pyogenes (100%), and 4/11 K. kingae (37%), increasing the yield by 14%. The rapid identification of pathogens facilitated timely and targeted therapeutic interventions. The PCR multiplex panel (BioFire JI®) improved the diagnosis of pediatric osteoarticular infections.

Relationship between soft tissue envelope thickness of the lower extremity and acute periprosthetic joint infection of the knee.

The prevalence of obesity is increasing worldwide and it is known to be associated with many postoperative complications, including infection. Patients' body fat distribution may vary and body mass index (BMI) does not provide sufficient information about adipose tissue thickness of the lower extremities. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between thigh diameters and early postoperative prosthesis-related joint infections (PJI) in patients who underwent arthroplasty. The study included 76 patients and 114 knees who were operated on by a single surgeon and underwent total knee arthroplasty (TKA) due to primary knee osteoarthritis between May 2022 and September 2023 in a tertiary reference hospital. Circumference of the thickest part of the operated thigh (cm), preoperative erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, height, weight, BMI and the presence of early postoperative prosthesis-related joint infections were evaluated. The mean BMI was 32.6 ± 4.2 (kg/m2). Two (2.6%) were normal weight, 14 (18.5%) were overweight, 58 (76.3%) were obese and 2 (2.6%) were morbidly obese. The mean circumference of the thickest part of the thigh was 57.56 ± 6.38 (cm). 6 patients were diagnosed with PJI in the acute phase. The mean circumference of the thickest part of the thigh was statistically significantly greater in the group with acute PJI compared to the group without PJI (p = 0.048). The incidence of acute PJI was found to be significantly higher in patients with larger thigh diameters, whereas no such relationship was observed for BMI. The incorporation of preoperative soft tissue envelope measurements into routine clinical examination may prove beneficial in reducing the risk of PJI.

C-reactive Protein Levels After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

Introduction Understanding standard changes in C-reactive protein (CRP) after Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is important for early detection of septic arthritis. Methods We conducted a prospective two-center comparative study to clarify changes in postoperative CRP levels after ACLR, as well as factors that influence the changes, in a large sample of Asian patients. A total of 439 ACLR cases were included in this study. CRP tests were performed before and one, seven, and 14 days after ACLR. Results The mean CRP level was 0.06 ± 0.19 mg/dl (range: 0-2.69) preoperatively, increased to 0.54 ± 0.58 (range: 0-4.38) mg/dl at one day postoperatively and 0.92 ± 1.22 (range: 0-11.48) mg/dl at seven days postoperatively, and decreased to 0.23 ± 0.35 (range: 0-3.11) mg/dl at 14 days postoperatively. Multivariate multiple regression analysis revealed that sex, BMI, and which facility the surgery was performed significantly affect CRP levels after one day postoperatively, and sex, BMI, and age significantly affect CRP levels after seven days postoperatively. Only sex was found to significantly affect CRP levels at 14 days postoperatively. Conclusion The present study provides a standard change in CRP after ACLR in a sufficient number of patients without postoperative complications, which would be helpful to rule out the complications. Moreover, the multivariate analysis revealed that sex, age, BMI, and facility are factors that significantly affect CRP levels after ACLR.

Prevalence of unexpected intraoperative cultures (UPIC) in revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and risk of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI).

Prevalence of unexpected positive intraoperative cultures (UPIC) in revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is reported to be 8.32% with largely varying findings in individual studies (5.92-62.07%) due to a heterogeneity in preoperative diagnostic work-up and diagnostic criteria for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). When diagnosed as unsuspected PJI, re-revision rate is reported to be as high as 18.45% compared to 2.94% in patients with UPIC classified as contamination (p = 0.0237). We performed a monocentric retrospective analysis of revision TKA surgery to determine prevalence of UPIC, risk of developing a subsequent PJI and re-revision rate after 24 months compared to those without UPIC. All presumed aseptic total knee revision procedures from 2008 until 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Single stage femorotibial revisions of TKA with at least 3 intraoperative cultures and a minimum follow-up of 24 months were included, whereas partial revisions or revisions from unicompartimental knee prosthesis to TKA were excluded. Demographic data were collected as well as initial reason for revision, preoperative aspiration results, micro-organism identified and postoperative antibiotics' administration. Primary outcome was survival rate after 24 months with differentiation based on UPIC interpretation: sterile, contamination, unsuspected PJI. Of 256 included cases, 75 (29.3%) were found to have at least 1 UPIC during revision surgery, 72% of whom a single UPIC was found. Thirty-four cases (13.28%) were interpreted as unsuspected PJI and therefore treated with antibiotics. In total, 13 of the 256 patients (5.08%) had to be re-revised during follow-up with 7 PJI (2.73%), none of them developing reinfection defined as PJI with the same microorganism. A statistically significant trend towards earlier failure in the unsuspected PJI group compared to the contaminant group was not observed. However, a higher incidence of re-revisions attributed to septic reasons was noted in the former group. Presence of UPIC in presumed aseptic revision TKA does not correlate with a lower survival rate, but a higher incidence of subsequent PJI was observed in cases interpreted as unsuspected PJI.

Linear and Volumetric Polyethylene Wear Patterns after Primary Cruciate-Retaining Total Knee Arthroplasty Failure: An Analysis Using Optical Scanning and Computer-Aided Design Models.

(1) Background: Analyses of retrieved inserts allow for a better understanding of TKA failure mechanisms and the detection of factors that cause increased wear. The purpose of this implant retrieval study was to identify whether insert volumetric wear significantly differs among groups of common causes of total knee arthroplasty failure, whether there is a characteristic wear distribution pattern for a common cause of failure, and whether nominal insert size and component size ratio (femur-to-insert) influence linear and volumetric wear rates. (2) Methods: We digitally reconstructed 59 retrieved single-model cruciate-retaining inserts and computed their articular load-bearing surface wear utilizing an optical scanner and computer-aided design models as references. After comprehensively reviewing all cases, each was categorized into one or more of the following groups: prosthetic joint infection, osteolysis, clinical loosening of the component, joint malalignment or component malposition, instability, and other isolated causes. The associations between volumetric wear and causes of failure were estimated using a multiple linear regression model adjusted for time in situ. Insert linear penetration wear maps from the respective groups of failure were further processed and merged to create a single average binary image, highlighting a potential wear distribution pattern. The differences in wear rates according to nominal insert size (small vs. medium vs. large) and component size ratio (≤1 vs. >1) were tested using the Kruskal-Wallis test and the Mann-Whitney test, respectively. (3) Results: Patients with identified osteolysis alone and those also with clinical loosening of the component had significantly higher volumetric wear when compared to those without both causes (p = 0.016 and p = 0.009, respectively). All other causes were not significantly associated with volumetric wear. The instability group differentiated from the others with a combined peripheral antero-posterior wear distribution. Linear and volumetric wear rates showed no significant differences when compared by nominal insert size (small vs. medium vs. large, p = 0.563 and p = 0.747, respectively) or by component (femoral-to-insert) size ratio (≤1 vs. >1, p = 0.885 and p = 0.055, respectively). (4) Conclusions: The study found increased volumetric wear in cases of osteolysis alone, with greater wear when combined with clinical loosening compared to other groups. The instability group demonstrated a characteristic peripheral anterior and posterior wear pattern. Insert size and component size ratio seem not to influence wear rates.

Incidence of periprosthetic joint infection after primary total knee arthroplasty shows significant variation : a synthesis of meta-analysis and bibliometric analysis

Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) is a surgery that is commonly performed on older adults to improve their quality of life. However, the increasing use of knee joint prostheses has led to a rise in the incidence of Prosthetic Joint Infections (PJI) in patients after TKA. Different clinical studies have looked at the occurrence of PJI after TKA in different regions, but they have drawn varying conclusions. To better understand this topic, we conducted a meta-analysis and bibliometric study using data from multiple databases. Our research found that the estimated prevalence of PJI after TKA is approximately 1.08% across different regions, but there is still considerable variation. Additionally, our regression analysis of sub-groups shows significant differences in follow-up periods. Furthermore, our comprehensive bibliometric analysis identifies current research trends, “hotspots” related to TKA-related PJI, influential nations, organizations, and noteworthy publications. Our analysis provides valuable insights to guide future research in this area.