A machine learning-assisted multifunctional tactile sensor for smart prosthetics

The absence of tactile perception limits the dexterity of a prosthetic hand and its acceptance by amputees.Recreating the sensing properties of the skin using a flexible tactile sensor could have profound implications for prosthetics,whereas existing tactile sensors often have limited functionality with cross-interference.In this study,we propose a machine-learning-assisted multifunctional tactile sensor for smart prosthetics,providing a human-like tactile sensing approach for amputations.This flexible sensor is based on a poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate)(PEDOT:PSS)-melamine sponge,which enables the detection of force and temperature with low cross-coupling owing to two separate sensing mechanisms:the open-circuit voltage of the sensor as a force-insensitive intrinsic variable to measure the absolute temperature and the resistance as a temperature-insensitive extrinsic variable to measure force.Furthermore,by analyzing the unsteady heat conduction and characterizing it using real-time thermal imaging,we demonstrated that the process of open-circuit voltage variation resulting from the unsteady heat conduction is closely correlated with the heatconducting capabilities of materials,which can be utilized to discriminate between substances.Assisted by the decision tree algorithm,the device is endowed with thermal conductivity sensing ability,which allows it to identify 10 types of substances with an accuracy of 94.7%.Furthermore,an individual wearing an advanced myoelectric prosthesis equipped with the above sensor can sense pressure,temperature,and recognize different materials.We demonstrated that our multifunctional tactile sensor provides a new strategy to help amputees feel force,temperature and identify the material of objects without the aid of vision.

Mid-term outcomes of a kinematically designed cruciate retaining total knee arthroplasty

BACKGROUND Advances in implant material and design have allowed for improvements in total knee arthroplasty(TKA)outcomes.A cruciate retaining(CR)TKA provides the least constraint of TKA designs by preserving the native posterior cruciate ligament.Limited research exists that has examined clinical outcomes or patient reported outcome measures(PROMs)of a large cohort of patients undergoing a CR TKA utilizing a kinematically designed implant.It was hypothesized that the studied CR Knee System would demonstrate favorable outcomes and a clinically significant improvement in pain and functional scores.AIM To assess both short-term and mid-term clinical outcomes and PROMs of a novel CR TKA design.METHODS A retrospective,multi-surgeon study identified 255 knees undergoing a TKA utilizing a kinematically designed CR Knee System(JOURNEY™II CR;Smith and Nephew,Inc.,Memphis,TN)at an urban,academic medical institution between March 2015 and July 2021 with a minimum of two-years of clinical follow-up with an orthopedic surgeon.Patient demographics,surgical information,clinical outcomes,and PROMs data were collected via query of electronic medical records.The PROMs collected in the present study included the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score for Joint Replacement(KOOS JR)and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System(PROMIS■)scores.The significance of improvements in mean PROM scores from preoperative scores to scores collected at six months and two-years postoperatively was analyzed using Independent Samples t-tests.RESULTS Of the 255 patients,65.5%were female,43.8%were White,and patients had an average age of 60.6 years.Primary osteoarthritis(96.9%)was the most common primary diagnosis.The mean surgical time was 105.3 minutes and mean length of stay was 2.1 d with most patients discharged home(92.5%).There were 18 emergency department(ED)visits within 90 d of surgery resulting in a 90 d ED visit rate of 7.1%,including a 2.4%orthopedic-related ED visit rate and a 4.7%non-orthopedic-related ED visit rate.There were three(1.2%)hospital readmissions within 90 d postoperatively.With a mean time to latest follow-up of 3.3 years,four patients(1.6%)required revision,two for arthrofibrosis,one for aseptic femoral loosening,and one for peri-prosthetic joint infection.There were significant improvements in KOOS JR,PROMIS Pain Intensity,PROMIS Pain Interference,PROMIS Mobility,and PROMIS Physical Health from preoperative scores to six month and two-year postoperative scores.CONCLUSION The evaluated implant is an effective,novel design offering excellent outcomes and low complication rates.At a mean follow up of 3.3 years,four patients required revisions,three aseptic and one septic,resulting in an overall implant survival rate of 98.4%and an aseptic survival rate of 98.8%.The results of our study demonstrate the utility of this kinematically designed implant in the setting of primary TKA.

Early Prosthetic Valve Endocarditis with Mycobacterium Tuberculosis after Mitral Valve Replacement: A Case Report

Background: Tuberculous endocarditis is a rare but serious complication of heart valve replacement surgery. We report the case of a 24-year-old patient, who presented with tuberculous endocarditis after mechanical mitral valve replacement, with a favorable clinical course following anti-tuberculosis treatment. Case Presentation: We report a 24-year-old male patient, admitted to the cardiac surgery department of the Fann Hospital (Dakar, Senegal), for the management of severe mixed (rheumatic and endocarditic) mitral insufficiency with associated tricuspid insufficiency. He had a history of recurrent angina and polyarthralgia in childhood, was hospitalized several times for refractory global cardiac decompensation, and for a suspected infective endocarditis a month before his admission. On admission, the clinical examination revealed signs suggestive of mitral and tricuspid insufficiency. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed severe post-endocarditic mitral insufficiency with A3 amputation, highly mobile 15 mm vegetations on the free edge of the large valve, moderate tricuspid insufficiency, and severe pulmonary artery hypertension. Mechanical mitral valve replacement and tricuspid valve annuloplasty using autologous pericardial strip were performed via median sternotomy. After ten days, the patient presented with global cardiac decompensation associated with a clinico-biological infectious syndrome, and tans-oesophageal echography revealed an abscess at the sinotubular junction, communicating with the aorta. A thoraco-abdomino-pelvic CT scan was done, which revealed a bilateral alveolar-interstitial syndrome with mediastinal lymphadenopathy. Anti-tuberculosis treatment with RHZE was initiated for 06 months. The clinical course was favorable. Conclusion: Tuberculous endocarditis in prostheses is a serious complication of heart valve replacement surgery, which may evolve favorably under medical treatment.

Lower limb amputation rehabilitation status in India: A review

Rehabilitation of lower limb amputation in developing countries is quite challenging.Though there are basic to highly advanced prostheses available in India,the set-up is still facing difficulties in developing countries.Prosthetic management is difficult due to lack of availability of prostheses and reduced affordability among low income populations.In this review we highlighted the lower limb amputation and prosthetic rehabilitation status in India.Currently,India is advancing well in the rehabilitation field,but further studies are required to provide more evidence and recommendation.

Conceptual exploration of a gravity-assisted electrorheological fluid-based gripping methodology for assistive technology

Gripping devices help patients carry out everyday tasks and increase their independence.However,there seems to be a lack of bionic gripping technologies that can fully adapt to any possible shape,as the use of artificial fingers and predetermined grip settings limits the operating space.The development of a more agile device,which is operated by a simple control paradigm,could greatly benefit users.An electrorheological(ER)fluid system should be able to adapt to the shape of an object and then hold that configuration.The aim of this study was to explore if a conceptual prototype of an ER system could hold a geometric shape when it is activated.A test rig was constructed with a moving part(set in different silicone oils)that could be displaced using a tensometer.Silica particles were dispersed in the silicone oils,and a field with a voltage of 4 kV mm?1 was generated to activate the fluid.The results show that the developed system can support an increased force when activated and hold a simple geometric position without any noticeable delay.This outcome provides an initial proof of concept for a possible new(gravity-assisted)gripping approach using smart fluids,which could be developed with materials that are biocompatible and widely available.

人工瓣心内膜炎

人工瓣心内膜炎(prosthetic valve endocanditis,PVE)是瓣膜移植术后很危险的并发症,尽管应用预防性抗菌素和改进了手术技术使这一并发症明显减少,但很多“心血管中心”报告仍有2%～4％的发生率。习惯上把瓣膜移植术后60天内发生的心内膜炎称作早期 PVE,60天后发生的称作晚期 PVE。早期和晚期 PVE 的临床表现、细菌类型和死亡率均不相同。早期 PVE 的发生率约占瓣膜移植术患者的0.5～1％、晚期 PVE

Dual-sided composite mesh repair of hiatal hernia: Our experience and a review of the Chinese literature

AIM:To summarize our experience in the application of Crurasoft for antireflux surgery and hiatal hernia(HH)repair and to introduce the work of Chinese doctors on this topic.METHODS:Twenty-one patients underwent HH repair with Crurasoft reinforcement.Gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD)and HH-related symptoms including heartburn,regurgitation,chest pain,dysphagia,and abdominal pain were evaluated preoperatively and 6mo postoperatively.A patient survey was conducted by phone by one of the authors.Patients were asked about"recurrent reflux or heartburn"and"dysphagia".An internet-based Chinese literature search in this field was also performed.Data extracted from each study included:number of patients treated,hernia size,hiatorrhaphy,antireflux surgery,follow-up period,recurrence rate,and complications(especially dysphagia).RESULTS:There were 8 typeⅠ,10 typeⅡand 3 typeⅢHHs in this group.Mean operative time was 119.29min(range 80-175 min).Intraoperatively,length and width of the hiatal orifice were measured,(4.33±0.84and 2.85±0.85 cm,respectively).Thirteen and eight Nissen and Toupet fundoplications were performed,respectively.The intraoperative complication rate was9.52%.Despite dysphagia,GERD-related symptoms improved significantly compared with those before surgery.The recurrence rate was 0%during the 6-mo follow-up period,and long-term follow-up disclosed a recurrence rate of 4.76%with a mean period of 16.28mo.Eight patients developed new-onset dysphagia.The Chinese literature review identified 12 papers with213 patients.The overall recurrence rate was 1.88%.There was no esophageal erosion and the rate of dysphagia ranged from 0%to 24%.CONCLUSION:The use of Crurasoft mesh for HH repair results in satisfactory symptom control with a low recurrence rate.Postoperative dysphagia continues to be an issue,and requires more research to reduce its incidence.

Obstructive shock secondary to fungal prosthetic aortic valve endocarditis

Dear editor,Fungal endocarditis is a rare disease with a poor prognosis,suboptimal diagnostic tools responsible for long diagnostic delays in most cases,and poorly defined activity of most antifungal agents in endocarditis.^([1])The burden of diagnosis still lies with clinicians:they need a

Nuclear medicine and the failed joint replacement: Past, present, and future

Soon after the introduction of the modern prosthetic joint,it was recognized that radionuclide imaging provides useful information about these devices.The bone scan was used extensively to identify causes of prosthetic joint failure.It became apparent,however,that although sensitive,regardless of how the images were analyzed or how it was performed,the test was not specific and could not distinguish among the causes of prosthetic failure.Advances in anatomic imaging,notably cross sectional modalities,have facilitated the diagnosis of many,if not most,causes of prosthetic failure,with the important exception of infection.This has led to a shift in the diagnostic paradigm,in which nuclear medicine investigations increasingly have focused on diagnosing infection.The recognition that bone scintigraphy could not reliably diagnose infection led to the development of combined studies,first bone/gallium and subsequently leukocyte/bone and leukocyte/marrow imaging.Labeled leukocyte imaging,combined with bone marrow imaging is the most accurate(about90%)imaging test for diagnosing joint arthroplasty infection.Its value not withstanding,there are significant disadvantages to this test.In-vivo techniques for labeling leukocytes,using antigranulocyte antibodieshave been explored,but have their own limitations and the results have been inconsistent.Fluorodeoxyglucose(FDG)-positron emission tomography(FDG-PET)has been extensively investigated for more than a decade but its role in diagnosing the infected prosthesis has yet to be established.Antimicrobial peptides bind to bacterial cell membranes and are infection specific.Data suggest that these agents may be useful for diagnosing prosthetic joint infection,but large scale studies have yet to be undertaken.Although for many years nuclear medicine has focused on diagnosing prosthetic joint infection,the advent of hybrid imaging with singlephoton emission computed tomography(SPECT)/electronic computer X-ray tomography technique(CT)and the availability of fluorine-18 fluoride PET suggests that the diagnostic paradigm may be shifting again.By providing the anatomic information lacking in conventional radionuclide studies,there is renewed interest in bone scintigraphy,performed as a SPECT/CT procedure,for detecting joint instability,mechanical loosening and component malpositioning.Fluoride-PET may provide new insights into periprosthetic bone metabolism.The objective of this manuscript is to provide a comprehensive review of the evolution of nuclear medicine imaging of joint replacements.

Mechanical valve obstruction:Review of diagnostic and treatment strategies

Prosthetic valve obstruction(PVO) is a rare but feared complication of mechanical valve replacement. Diagno-stic evaluation should focus on differentiating prosthetic valve thrombosis(PVT) from pannus formation,as their treatment options differ. History of sub-optimal anti-coagulation and post-op time course to development of PVO are useful clinical characteristics in differentiating thrombus from pannus formation. Treatment of PVT is influenced by the patient's symptoms,valve location,degree of obstruction and thrombus size and may include thrombolysis or surgical intervention. Alternatively,pannus formation requires surgical intervention. The purpose of this article is to review the pathophysiology,epidemiology,diagnostic approach and treatment options for aortic and mitral valve PVO.

Reliability of preoperative measurement with standardized templating in Total Knee Arthroplasty

AIM: To investigate the correlation between preoperative measurement in total knee arthroplasty and the prosthetic size implanted. METHODS: A prospective double-blind study of 50 arthroplasties was performed. Firstly, the reliability and correspondence between the size of said measurement and the actual implant utilized was determined. Secondly, the existing correlation between the intra- and interobserver determinations with the intraclass correlation coefficient was analyzed. RESULTS: An overall correspondence of 54%, improving up to 92% when the measured size admitted a difference of one size, was found. Good intra- and interobserver reliability with an intraclass correlation coefficient greater than 0.90(P < 0.001) was also discovered. CONCLUSION: Agreement between the preoperative measurement with standardized acetate templates and the prosthetic size implanted can be considered satisfactory. We thus conclude it is a reproducible technique.

Molecularly specific detection of bacterial lipoteichoic acid for diagnosis of prosthetic joint infection of the bone

Discriminating sterile inflammation from infection, especially in cases of aseptic loosening versus an actual prosthetic joint infection, is challenging and has significant treatment implications. Our goal was to evaluate a novel human monoclonal antibody（mAb） probe directed against the Gram-positive bacterial surface molecule lipoteichoic acid（LTA）. Specificity and affinity were assessed in vitro. We then radiolabeled the anti-LTA mAb and evaluated its effectiveness as a diagnostic imaging tool for detecting infection via immuno PET imaging in an in vivo mouse model of prosthetic joint infection（PJI）. In vitro and ex vivo binding of the anti-LTA mAb to pathogenic bacteria was measured with Octet, ELISA, and flow cytometry. The in vivo PJI mouse model was assessed using traditional imaging modalities, including positron emission tomography（PET） with [^（18）F]FDG and [^（18）F]Na F as well as X-ray computed tomography（CT）, before being evaluated with the zirconium-89-labeled antibody specific for LTA（[^（89）Zr]SAC55）.The anti-LTA mAb exhibited specific binding in vitro to LTA-expressing bacteria. Results from imaging showed that our model could reliably simulate infection at the surgical site by bioluminescent imaging, conventional PET tracer imaging, and bone morphological changes by CT. One day following injection of both the radiolabeled anti-LTA and isotype control antibodies, the anti-LTA antibody demonstrated significantly greater（P 〈 0.05） uptake at S. aureus-infected prosthesis sites over either the same antibody at sterile prosthesis sites or of control non-specific antibody at infected prosthesis sites. Taken together, the radiolabeled anti-LTA mAb, [^（89）Zr]SAC55, may serve as a valuable diagnostic molecular imaging probe to help distinguish between sterile inflammation and infection in the setting of PJI. Future studies are needed to determine whether these findings will translate to human PJI.

Left atrial thrombosis in an anticoagulated patient after bioprosthetic valve replacement:Report of a case

We present the case of a 74 year old woman suffering from severe mitral valve incompetence and rapid atrial fibrillation. After an appropriate vitamin K antagonist(VKA) therapy, the patient underwent mitral valve replacement by bioprosthesis. Then, the patient was rehospitalized for jaundice. Suspecting hepatotoxicity, VKA was discontinued and fondaparinux was started. During this treatment, the patient developed a symptomatic atrial thrombus. After exclusion of a hepatic disease, VKA was re-established with hemodynamic and liver enzymes normalization and atrial thrombus resolution. Caution has to be used when considering fondaparinux as an alternative strategy to VKA in patients with multiple thrombotic risk factors.

Dynamic Analysis and Performance Verification of a Novel Hip Prosthetic Mechanism

To assist an amputee in regaining his or her daily quality of life,based on analysis of the motion characteristics of the human hip,a 2-UPR/URR parallel mechanism with a passive limb was designed.The inverse kinematics of this mechanism was analyzed based on a closed-loop vector method.The constrained Jacobian matrix and kinematic Jacobian matrix of each limb were then analyzed,and a 6×6 fully Jacobian matrix was constructed.Based on this,kinematic performances were analyzed and summarized.Finally,the dynamic model of the mechanism was constructed based on the virtual work principle,and its theoretical solution was compared with the numerical results,which were obtained in a simulation environment.Results showed that the prosthetic mechanism had a larger rotating workspace and better mechanical performance,which accorded a range of motion and bearing capacity similar to that of the human hip in multiple gait modes.Moreover,the validity of the dynamic model and inverse kinematics were verified by comparing the theoretical and simulation results.Furthermore,with flexion and extension,the torque change in the hip prosthetic mechanism was similar to that of the human hip,which demonstrated the feasibility of the hip prosthetic mechanism and its good dynamic performance.

Non-albicans Candida prosthetic joint infections: A systematic review of treatment

BACKGROUND Non-albicans Candida prosthetic joint infections (PJIs) are rare. Optimal treatment involves a two-stage revision surgery in combination with an antifungal agent. However, no clear guidelines have been developed regarding the agent or treatment duration. Hence, a broad range of antifungal and surgical treatments have been reported so far. AIM To clarify treatment of non-albicans Candida PJIs. METHODS A literature review of all existing non-albicans Candida PJIs cases through April 2018 was conducted. Information was extracted about demographics, comorbidities, responsible species, duration and type of antifungal treatment, type of surgical treatment, time between initial arthroplasty and symptom onset, time between symptom onset and definite diagnosis, outcome of the infection and follow-up. RESULTS A total of 83 cases, with a mean age of 66.3 years, were located. The causative yeast isolated in most cases was C. parapsilosis (45 cases;54.2%), followed by C. glabrata (18 cases;21.7%). The mean Charlson comorbidity index was 4.4 ± 1.5. The mean time from arthropalsty to symptom onset was 27.2 ± 43 mo, while the mean time from symptom onset to culture-confirmed diagnosis was 7.5 ± 12.5 mo. A two stage revision arthroplasty (TSRA), when compared to one stage revision arthroplasty, had a higher success rate (96% vs 73%, P = 0.023). Fluconazole was the preferred antifungal agent (59;71%), followed by amphotericin B (41;49.4%). CONCLUSION The combination of TSRA and administration of prolonged antifungal therapy after initial resection arthroplasty is suggested on the basis of limited data.

Horseshoe thrombus in a patient with mechanical prosthetic mitral valve: A case report and review of literature

Patients with prosthetic cardiac valves are at high risk for thromboembolic complications and need life long anticoagulation with warfarin, which can be associated with variable dose requirements and fluctuating level of systemic anticoagulation and may predispose to thromboembolic and or hemorrhagic complications. Prosthetic cardiac valve thrombosis is associated with high morbidity and mortality. A high index of suspicion is essential for prompt diagnosis. Transthoracic echocardiography, and if required transesophageal echocardiography are the main diagnostic imaging modalities. Medically stable patients can be managed with thrombolytic therapy and anticoagulation, while some patients may require surgical thrombectomy or valve replacement. We present a case report of a patient with prosthetic mitral valve and an unusually large left atrial thrombus with both thromboembolic and hemorrhagic complications.

Technetium-99m-labeled annexin V imaging for detecting prosthetic joint infection in a rabbit model

Accurate and timely diagnosis of prosthetic joint infection is essential to initiate early treatment and achieve a favorable outcome. In this study, we used a rabbit model to assess the feasibility of technetium-99m-labeled annexin V for detecting prosthetic joint infection. Right knee arthroplasty was performed on 24 New Zealand rabbits. After surgery, methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus was intra-articularly injected to create a model of prosthetic joint infection （the infected group, n = 12）. Rabbits in the control group were injected with sterile saline （n= 12）. Seven and 21 days after surgery, technetium-99m-labeled annexin V imaging was per- formed in 6 rabbits of each group. Images were acquired 1 and 4 hours after injection of technetium-99m- labeled annexin V （150 MBq）. The operated-to-normal-knee activity ratios were calculated for quantitative ana- lysis. Seven days after surgery, increased technetium-99m-labeled annexin V uptake was observed in all cases. However, at 21 days a notable decrease was found in the control group, but not in the infected group. The operated-to-normal-knee activity ratios of the infected group were 1.84 ±0.29 in the early phase and 2.19 ±0.34 in the delay phase, both of which were significantly higher than those of the control group （P=0.03 and P=0.02）. The receiver operator characteristic curve analysis showed that the operated-to-normal-knee activity ratios of the delay phase at 21 days was the best indicator, with an accuracy of 80%. In conclusion, technetium- 99m-labeled annexin V imaging could effectively distinguish an infected prosthetic joint from an uninfected prosthetic joint in a rabbit model.

Univariate Risk Factors for Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation in Patients Undergoing Prosthetic Heart Valves Replacement Surgery

Data from 736 patients undergoing prosthetic heart valve replacement surgery and concomitant surgery （combined surgery） from January 1998 to January 2004 at Union Hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Univariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identity risk factors for prolonged mechanical ventilation. The results showed that prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass duration, prolonged aortic cross clamp time and low ejection fraction less than 50 percent （50 %） were found to be independent predictors for prolonged mechanical ventilation. Meanwhile age, weight, and preoperative hospital stay （days） were not found to be associated with prolonged mechanical ventilation. It was concluded that. for age and weight, this might be due to the lower number of old age patients （70 years and above） included in our study and genetic body structure of majority Chinese population that favor them to be in normal weight, respectively.

Risk of methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus prosthetic joint infection in elective total hip and knee arthroplasty following eradication therapy

BACKGROUND Prosthetic joint infection(PJI)is a devastating complication requiring prolonged treatment and multiple operations,leading to significant morbidity for the patient.Patients are routinely tested for methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus(MRSA)colonisation.MRSA positive patients are given eradication therapy.We hypothesise that patients who are MRSA positive pre-operatively,have increased risk of developing PJI.AIM To identify deep wound infection(PJI)rates in patients who are colonised MRSA positive compared with those who are not colonised;and long term clinical and radiological outcomes.METHODS All patients who underwent total hip and knee replacements(THR/TKR)between December 2009 and December 2019 were identified.Patients who were also identified as being MRSA positive at pre-operative assessment were then selected.Confirmation of prescribing eradication treatment was recorded.Patient records,including consultation letters,operation notes and microbiology results were reviewed retrospectively.Comparison of outcomes for each MRSA positive patient was made with 2 MRSA negative patients undergoing the same operation of a similar age by the same consultant.RESULTS Screening identified 42 knee and 32 hip arthroplasty patients as MRSA positive,84 MRSA negative knee and 64 hip patients were reviewed.Patients were matched with medical co-morbidities in each group.Mean follow up was 5 years.PJI was identified in 4/32(12.5%)of THR MRSA positive and 3/42(7%)of TKR patients.All patients had PJI within one year of surgery.CONCLUSION MRSA positive patients are given eradication therapy routinely.However,no confirmation of eradication is sought.Patients who have MRSA colonisation preoperatively,in our study had a significantly increased risk of PJI,when compared to negative patients.We would recommend establishing true eradication after treatment prior to arthroplasty.

Prosthetic joint infections-a clinico-microbiological perspective: Review article

Prosthetic joint infections(PJIs),although not very common,currently pose a very significant threat since they are associated with severe complications,high morbidity rates and substantial costs.PJIs are most commonly caused by Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative staphylococci.The diagnosis of implant-associated infections is very challenging since no single routinely used laboratory or clinical test has been shown to demonstrate adequate results with respect to sensitivity,specificity and accuracy.In most cases,a sum of clinical signs and symptoms,histopathology,blood tests,radiography,bone scans and microbiological testing is considered to arrive at an accurate diagnosis.Treatment of PJIs is also very difficult since most of the infections are caused by biofilm-producing microorganisms which are significantly more resistant to the hosts natural defense mechanisms and antibiotic treatment.For successful management,a combination of both antibiotic and surgical treatment is most often required,and early diagnosis is of the utmost importance.Thus,a multidisciplinary approach is potentially the best option in dealing with PJI,and should include the involvement of microbiologists,orthopedic specialists,clinicians,pathologists and radiologists in order to improve decision-making processes and ensure overall success.The following review aims at briefly outlining the microbiology,diagnostic and treatment options,and preventive measures associated with such infections.