Candidal periprosthetic joint infection after primary total knee arthroplasty combined with ipsilateral intertrochanteric fracture: A case report

BACKGROUND Candidal periprosthetic joint infection is a rare and difficult to diagnose complication of total knee arthroplasty.The treatment of such complications is inconclusive and may include prosthesis removal,debridement,arthrodesis,and extensive antifungal therapy to control the infection.CASE SUMMARY A 62-year-old male with a history of total knee arthroplasty(TKA)in his left knee presented with ipsilateral knee pain and a sinus discharge 20 mo after TKA.The patient was previously evaluated for left knee pain,swelling,and a transient fever one month postoperatively.Prothesis removal and insertion of a cement spacer were performed in a local hospital six months prior to the current presentation.Medical therapy included rifampicin and amphotericin which were administered for 4 wk following prosthesis removal.A second debridement was performed in our hospital and Candida parapsilosis was detected in the knee joint.Fourteen weeks following the latter debridement,the patient suffered a left intertrochanteric fracture and received closed reduction and internal fixation with proximal femoral nail anterotation.Two weeks after fracture surgery,a knee arthrodesis with autograft was performed using a double-plate fixation.The patient recovered adequately and was subsequently discharged.At the two-year follow-up,the patient has a stable gait with a pain-free,fused knee.CONCLUSION Fungal periprosthetic joint infection following TKA may be successfully and safely treated with prosthesis removal,exhaustive debridement,and arthrodesis after effective antifungal therapy.Ipsilateral intertrochanteric fractures of the affected knee can be safely fixated with internal fixation if the existing infection is clinically excluded and aided by the investigation of serum inflammatory markers.

Good accuracy of the alpha-defensin lateral flow test for hip periprosthetic joint infection: A pilot study in a retrospective cohort of 52 patients

BACKGROUND The alpha-defensin lateral flow(ADLF)test is a new diagnostic tool for periprosthetic joint infection(PJI).Test accuracy for combined cohorts of hip and knee PJI has been reported to be good.AIM To assess the accuracy of the ADLF test for hip PJI,and to compare three different diagnostic criteria for PJI.METHODS A cohort of 52 patients was identified,with a painful or poor-functioning total hip-or hemi-arthroplasty,that underwent aspiration and a subsequent ADLF test.PJI was diagnosed with Musculoskeletal Infection Society(MSIS)criteria,and sensitivity,specificity,overall accuracy,positive predictive value and negative predictive value were calculated.Furthermore,test specifics were compared with the European Bone and Joint Infection Society(EBJIS)and 2018 International Consensus Meeting(ICM)criteria for PJI.RESULTS Using MSIS criteria,sensitivity was 100%(CI:54%-100%)and specificity was 89%(CI:76%-96%).Six true positives and 5 false positives were found,including one case of metallosis.Using EBJIS criteria,more PJIs were found(11 vs 6),sensitivity was lower(71%,CI:42%-92%)and specificity was higher(97%,CI:86%-100%),with 4 false negatives and one false positive result.Using 2018 ICM criteria,sensitivity was 91%(62%-100%)and specificity 100%(91%-100%).The results in this cohort are comparable to previous studies.CONCLUSION Overall test accuracy of the ADLF test was good in this cohort,with a sensitivity of 100%and specificity of 89%.Using different PJI definition criteria,sensitivity and specificity changed slightly but overall accuracy remained around 90%.Using the ADLF test in metallosis cases can result in false positive results and should be performed with caution.

Analysis of the clinical efficacy of two-stage revision surgery in the treatment of periprosthetic joint infection in the knee:A retrospective study

BACKGROUND Periprosthetic joint infection(PJI)is a catastrophic complication that can occur following total knee arthroplasty(TKA).Currently,the treatment for PJI mainly includes the use of antibiotics alone,prosthetic debridement lavage,primary revision,secondary revision,joint fusion,amputation,etc.AIM To explore the clinical effect of two-stage revision surgery for the treatment of PJI after TKA.METHODS The clinical data of 27 patients(3 males and 24 females;age range,47–80 years;mean age,66.7±8.0 years;27 knees)with PJI treated with two-stage revision surgery in our hospital between January 1,2010 and December 31,2020 were analyzed retrospectively.The following outcomes were compared for changes between preoperative and last follow-up results:Erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR),C-reactive protein(CRP),visual analogue scale(VAS)scores,Hospital for Special Surgery(HSS)scores,knee range of motion(ROM),and infection cure rates.RESULTS All 27 patients were followed up(range,13–112 mo).The ESR(14.5±6.3 mm/h)and CRP(0.6±0.4 mg/dL)of the patients at the last follow-up were significantly lower than those at admission;the difference was statistically significant(P<0.001).The postoperative VAS score(1.1±0.7),HSS score(82.3±7.1),and knee ROM(108.0°±19.7°)were significantly improved compared with those before the surgery;the difference was statistically significant(P<0.001).Of the 27 patients,26 were cured of the infection,whereas 1 case had an infection recurrence;the infection control rate was 96.3%.CONCLUSION Two-stage revision surgery can effectively relieve pain,control infection,and retain good joint function in the treatment of PJI after TKA.

Preoperative and postoperative risk factors for periprosthetic joint infection in primary total hip arthroplasty:A 1-year experience

BACKGROUND Periprosthetic joint infection(PJI)in primary total hip replacement(THR)is one of the most important threats in orthopedic surgery,so one important surgeon’s target is to avoid or early diagnose a PJI.Although the incidence of PJI is very low(0.69%)in our department,with an average follow-up of 595 d,this infection poses a serious threat due to the difficulties of treatment and the lower functional outcomes after healing.AIM To study the incidence of PJI in all operations occurring in the year 2016 in our department to look for predictive signs of potential infection.METHODS We counted 583 THR for 578 patients and observed only 4 cases of infection(0.69%)with a mean follow-up of 596 d(min 30,max 1451).We reviewed all medical records to collect the data:duration and time of the surgery,presence,type and duration of the antibiotic therapy,preoperative diagnosis,blood values before and after surgery,transfusions,presence of preoperative drugs(in particularly anticoagulants and antiaggregant,corticosteroids and immunosuppressants),presence of some comorbidities(high body mass index,blood hypertension,chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,cardiac ischemia,diabetes,rheumatological conditions,previous local infections).RESULTS No preoperative,intraoperative,or postoperative analysis showed a higher incidence of PJI.We did not find any class with evident major odds of PJI.In our study,we did not find any border value to predict PJI and all patients had similar values in both groups(non-PJI and PJI).Only some categories,such as female patients,showed more frequency of PJI,but this difference related to sex was not statistically significant.CONCLUSION We did not find any category with a higher risk of PJI in THR,probably due to the lack of few cases of infection.

Identification and preoperative optimization of risk factors to prevent periprosthetic joint infection

Despite significant improvements over the past several decades in diagnosis,treatment and prevention of periprosthetic joint infection(PJI),it still remains a major challenge following total joint arthroplasty.Given the devastating nature and accelerated incidence of PJI,prevention is the most important strategy to deal with this challenging problem and should start from identifying risk factors.Understanding and well-organized optimization of these risk factors in individuals before elective arthroplasty are essential to the ultimate success in reducing the incidence of PJI.Even though some risk factors such as demographic characteristics are seldom changeable,they allow more accurate expectation regarding individual risks of PJI and thus,make proper counseling for shared preoperative decision-making possible.Others that increase the risk of PJI,but are potentially modifiable should be optimized prior to elective arthroplasty.Although remarkable advances have been achieved in past decades,many questions regarding standardized practice to prevent this catastrophic complication remain unanswered.The current study provide a comprehensive knowledge regarding risk factors based on general principles to control surgical siteinfection by the review of current literature and also share own practice at our institution to provide practical and better understandings.

RANK-ligand and osteoprotegerin as biomarkers in the differentiation between periprosthetic joint infection and aseptic prosthesis loosening

AIM To assess serum levels of RANK-ligand(RANKL) and osteoprotegerin(OPG) as biomarkers for periprosthetic joint infection(PJI) and compare their accuracy with standard tests.METHODS One hundred and twenty patients presenting with a painful total knee or hip arthroplasty with indication for surgical revision were included in this prospective clinical trial. Based on standard diagnostics(joint aspirate, microbiological, and histological samples) and Musculoskeletal Infection Society consensus classification,patients were categorized into PJI, aseptic loosening,and control groups. Implant loosening was assessed radiographically and intraoperatively. Preoperative serum samples were collected and analyzed for RANKL, OPG, calcium, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase(AP), and the bone-specific subform of AP(b AP). Statistical analysis was carried out, testing for significant differences between the three groups and between stable and loose implants. RESULTS All three groups were identical in regards to age, gender, and joint distribution. No statistically significant differences in the serum concentration of RANKL(P = 0.16) and OPG(P = 0.45) were found between aseptic loosening and PJI, with a trend towards lower RANKL concentrations and higher OPG concentrations in the PJI group. The RANKL/OPG ratio was significant for the comparison between PJI and non-PJI(P = 0.005). A ratio > 60 ruled out PJI in all cases(specificity: 100%, 95%CI: 89, 11% to 100.0%) but only 30% of non-PJI patients crossed this threshold. The positive predictive value remained poor at any cut-off. In the differentiation between stable and loose implants, none of the parameters measured(calcium, phosphate, AP, and b AP) showed a significant difference, and only AP and b AP measurements showed a tendency towards higher values in the loosened group(with P = 0.09 for AP and P = 0.19 for b AP). CONCLUSION Lower RANKL and higher OPG concentrations could be detected in PJI, without statistical significance.

Predicting lower limb periprosthetic joint infections: A review of risk factors and their classification

AIM To undertook a systematic review to determine factors that increase a patient's risk of developing lower limb periprosthetic joint infections(PJI).METHODS This systematic review included full-text studies that reviewed risk factors of developing either a hip or knee PJI following a primary arthroplasty published from January 1998 to November 2016. A variety of keywords were used to identify studies through international databases referencing hip arthroplasty, knee arthroplasty, infection, and risk factors. Studies were only included if they included greater than 20 patients in their study cohort, and there was clear documentation of the statistical parameter used; specifically P-value, hazard ratio, relative risk, or/and odds ratio(OR). Furthermore a quality assessment criteria for the individual studies was undertaken to evaluate the presence of record and reporting bias. RESULTS Twenty-seven original studies reviewing risk factors relating to primary total hip and knee arthroplasty infections were included. Four studies(14.8%) reviewed PJI of the hip, 3(11.21%) of the knee, and 20(74.1%) reviewed both joints. Nineteen studies(70.4%) were retrospective and 8(29.6%) prospective. Record bias was identified in the majority of studies(66.7%). The definition of PJI varied amongst the studies but there was a general consensus to define infection by previously validated methods. The most significant risks were the use of preoperative high dose steroids(OR = 21.0, 95%CI: 3.5-127.2, P < 0.001), a BMI above 50(OR = 18.3, P < 0.001), tobacco use(OR = 12.76, 95%CI: 2.47-66.16, P= 0.017), body mass index below 20(OR = 6.00, 95%CI: 1.2-30.9, P = 0.033), diabetes(OR = 5.47, 95%CI: 1.77-16.97, P = 0.003), and coronary artery disease(OR = 5.10, 95%CI: 1.3-19.8, P = 0.017).CONCLUSION We have highlighted the need for the provider to optimise modifiable risk factors, and develop strategies to limit the impact of non-modifiable factors.

Two-stage revision arthroplasty for coagulase-negative staphylococcal periprosthetic joint infection of the hip and knee

BACKGROUND Periprosthetic joint infections(PJIs)are frequently caused by coagulase-negative Staphylococci(CoNS),which is known to be a hard-to-treat microorganism.Antibiotic resistance among causative pathogens of PJI is increasing.Two-stage revision is the favoured treatment for chronic CoNS infection of a hip or knee prosthesis.We hypothesised that the infection eradication rate of our treatment protocol for two-stage revision surgery for CoNS PJI of the hip and knee would be comparable to eradication rates described in the literature.AIM To evaluate the infection eradication rate of two-stage revision arthroplasty for PJI caused by CoNS.METHODS All patients treated with two-stage revision of a hip or knee prosthesis were retrospectively included.Patients with CoNS infection were included in the study,including polymicrobial cases.Primary outcome was infection eradication at final follow-up.RESULTS Forty-four patients were included in the study.Twenty-nine patients were treated for PJI of the hip and fifteen for PJI of the knee.At final follow-up after a mean of 37 mo,recurrent or persistent infection was present in eleven patients.CONCLUSION PJI with CoNS can be a difficult to treat infection due to increasing antibiotic resistance.Infection eradication rate of 70%-80%may be achieved.

Periprosthetic joint infections in femoral neck fracture patients treated with hemiarthroplasty–should we use antibiotic-loaded bone cement?

BACKGROUND Hemiarthroplasty is the most common treatment in elderly patients with displaced intra-capsular femoral neck fracture(FNF).Prosthetic joint infection(PJI)is one of the most feared and frequent complications post-surgery because of the frail health status of these patients and the need for fast track surgery.Therefore,priorities should lie in effective preventive strategies to mitigate this burden.AIM To determine how much the implementation of the routine use of antibioticloaded bone cement(ALBC)as a relatively easy-to-apply amendment to the surgical practice reduces the infection rate in our hemiarthroplasty cohort.METHODS We retrospectively assessed all demographic,health status and treatment-related data of our FNF patients undergoing cemented hemiarthroplasty in the period from 2011 to 2017;241 patients were further analyzed after exclusion of patients with cancer-related sequelae and those who died before the end of the 1-year observation period.The PJI rate as diagnosed on basis of the Musculoskeletal Infection Society(MSIS)criteria 2011 was determined for each included patient and compared in function of the bone cement used for hip stem fixation.Patients were split into a group receiving a plain bone cement in the period from January 2011 to June 2013(non-ALBC group)and into a group receiving an ALBC in the period July 2013 to December 2017(ALBC group).Data analysis was performed with statistical software.We further calculated the cost-efficacy of the implementation of routine use of ALBC in the second group balancing the inhospital infection related treatment costs with the extra costs of use of ALBC.RESULTS In total 241 FNF patients who received cemented hemiarthroplasty in the period from January 2011 to January 2017 were eligible for inclusion in this retrospective study.There were 8 PJI cases identified in the ALBC group among n=94 patients,whereas 28 PJI cases were observed in the non-ALBC group among n=147 patients.The statistical analysis showed an infection risk reduction of 55.3%(in particular due to the avoidance of chronic delayed infections)in the ALBC group(95%CI:6.2%-78.7%;P=0.0025).The cost-evaluation analysis demonstrated a considerable cost saving of 3.500€per patient,related to the implementation of routine use of ALBC in this group.CONCLUSION Use of ALBC is a potent infection preventive factor in FNF patients receiving cemented hemiarthroplasties.It was further found to be highly cost-effective.

Two-stage revision in periprosthetic knee joint infections

Periprosthetic joint infection(PJI)following total knee arthroplasty is one of the most catastrophic and costly complications that carries significant patient wellness as well as economic burdens.The road to efficiently diagnosing and treating PJI is challenging,as there is still no gold standard method to reach the diagnosis as early as desired.There are also international controversies with respect to the best approach to manage PJI cases.In this review,we highlight recent advances in managing PJI following knee arthroplasty surgery and discuss in depth the two-stage revision method.

Effect of weight-adjusted antimicrobial antibiotic prophylaxis on postoperative dosage and surgical site infection incidence in total joint arthroplasty

Surgical site infections(SSI)following total joint arthroplasty pose a significant concern for both providers and patients across the globe.Currently,administration of antimicrobial antibiotic prophylaxis is used throughout the world to reduce the incidence of SSI.However,the correct dosage and frequency of administration remains debatable.In this editorial,we emphasized the determination of the effect of administration of weight-adjusted antimicrobial antibiotic prophylaxis regime on the incidence of SSI and postoperative dosage reduction compared to the conventionally used regime during total joint arthroplasty.The results demonstrated similar efficacy between both regimes with respect to the incidence of SSI.In addition,weight-adjustment led to reduced postoperative dosage and has the potential to reduce chances of achieving lower therapeutic concentration,drug resistance,drug toxicity,and costs.

Treatment of periprosthetic knee infection and coexistent periprosthetic fracture:A case report and literature review

BACKGROUND Periprosthetic joint infection(PJI) and periprosthetic fracture(PPF) are among the most serious complications following total knee arthroplasty. Herein, we present one patient with these two complications with details on the characteristics, treatment strategy, and outcome.CASE SUMMARY A 69-year-old female patient who suffered from PJI and PPF following total knee arthroplasty was treated by a two-stage revision surgery. After thorough foreign material removal and debridement, we used a plate that was covered with antibiotic-loaded bone cement to link with a hand-made cement spacer to occupy the joint space and fix the fracture. Although the infection was cured, the fracture did not heal and caused bone defect due to the long interval between debridement and revision. In the revision surgery, a cemented stem and cortical allogenic splints were used to reconstruct the fracture and bone defect. At the final followup 27 mo after revision, the patient was satisfied with postoperative knee functions with satisfactory range of motion(104°) and Hospital for Special Surgery knee score(82 points). The radiographs showed no loosening of the prosthesis and that the bone grafts healed well with the femur.CONCLUSION Our two-stage revision surgery has proved to be successful and may be considered in other patients with PJI and PPF.

Knowledge and attitudes of orthopedic surgeons regarding prosthesis joint infection

BACKGROUND Periprosthetic joint infection(PJI)is a critical complication after joint arthroplasty and is accompanied by increasing rates of morbidity and mortality.Several studies have aimed at preventing PJI.AIM To research the knowledge level and attitudes of orthopedic surgeons,who play a key role in both preventing and managing PJI.METHODS We conducted a web-based survey to evaluate orthopedic surgeons'knowledge level and attitudes regarding PJI.The Likert scale survey utilized consisted of 30 questions which were prepared based on the"Proceedings of the International Consensus on Periprosthetic Joint Infection".RESULTS A total of 264 surgeons participated in the survey.Their average age was 44.8,and 173 participants(65.5%)had more than 10 years of experience.No statistically significant relationship was found between the PJI knowledge of the surgeons and their years of experience.However,participants who worked in training and research hospitals demonstrated higher levels of knowledge than the ones in the state hospitals.It was also noticed that surgeons'knowledge concerning the duration of antibiotic therapy and urinary infections was not consistent with their attitudes.CONCLUSION Even though orthopedic surgeons have adequate knowledge about preventing and managing PJI,their attitudes might contradict their knowledge.Future studies are required to examine the causes and solutions of the contradictions between orthopedic surgeons'knowledge and attitudes.

Can periprosthetic hip joint infections be successfully managed by debridement and prosthesis retention?

To evaluate the current literature about how successfully periprosthetic hip joint infections can be managed by debridement and prosthesis retention.A literature search was performed through Pub Med until September 2013.Search terms were"DAIR(debridement,antibiotics,irrigation,and retention)"alone and in combination with"hip"as well as"hip infection+prosthesis retention".A total of 11 studies reporting on 292 cases could be identified.Five different treatment modalities have been described with varying success rates(debridement-21%infection eradication rate;debridement+lavage-75%infection eradication rate;debridement,lavage,with change of modular prosthesis components-70.4%infection eradication rate;debridement,lavage,change of modular prosthesis components+vacuum-assisted closure-92.8%infection eradication rate;acetabular cup removal+spacer head onto retained stem-89.6%infection eradication rate).With regard to the postoperative antibiotic therapy,no general consensus could be drawn from the available data.Debridement,antibiotic therapy,irrigation,and prosthesis retention is an acceptable solution in the management of early and acute hematogenous periprosthetic hip joint infections.The current literature does not allow for generalization of conclusions with regard to thebest treatment modality.A large,multi-center study is required for identification of the optimal treatment of these infections.

Comprehensive meta-analysis of antibiotic-impregnated bone cement versus plain bone cement in primary total knee arthroplasty for preventing periprosthetic joint infection

Purpose:Antibiotic-loaded bone cement(ALBC)was usually used to prevent periprosthetic joint infection(PJI)in primary total knee arthroplasty(PTKA),but whether to use ALBC or plain bone cement in PTKA remains unclear.We aimed to compare the occurrence rate of PJI using two different cements,and to investigate the efficacy of different antibiotic types and doses administered in preventing surgical site infection(SSI)with ALBC.Methods:The availability of ALBC for preventing PJI was evaluated by using a systematic review and meta-analysis referring to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.Existing articles until December 2021 involving PTKA patients with both ALBC and plain bone cement cohorts were scanned by searching"total knee arthroplasty","antibiotic-loaded cement","antibiotic prophylaxis","antibiotic-impregnated cement"and"antibiotic-laden cement"in the database of PubMed/MEDLINE,Embase,Web of Science and the Cochrane Library.Subgroup analysis included the effectiveness of different antibiotic types and doses in preventing SSI with ALBC.The modified Jadad scale was employed to score the qualities of included articles.Results:Eleven quantitative studies were enrolled,including 34,159 knees undergoing PTKA.The meta-analysis results demonstrated that the use of prophylactic ALBC could significantly reduce the prevalence of deep incisional SSI after PTKA,whereas there was no significant reduction in the rate of superficial incisional SSI.Moreover,gentamicin-loaded cement was effective in preventing deep incisional SSI,and the use of high-dose ALBC significantly reduced the rate of deep incisional SSI after PTKA.Besides,no significant adverse reactions and complications were stated during the use of ALBC in PTKA.Conclusion:The preventive application of ALBC during PTKA could reduce the rates of deep PJI.Furthermore,bone cement containing gentamicin and high-dose ALBC could even better prevent deep infection after PTKA.However,the existing related articles are mostly single-center and retrospective studies,and further high-quality ones are needed for confirmation.

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.

Performance of alpha-defensin lateral flow test after synovial fluid centrifugation for diagnosis of periprosthetic knee infection

BACKGROUND The quantitative alpha-defensin enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)demands a prior synovial fluid centrifugation,whereas this processing is not routinely required prior to the alpha-defensin lateral flow test.AIM To evaluate whether a prior synovial fluid centrifugation could lead the lateral flow performance to achieve comparable results to ELISA during periprosthetic joint infection(PJI)diagnosis.METHODS Fifty-three cases were included in this study:22 classified as PJI and 31 classified as aseptic cases,according to Musculoskeletal Infection Society 2013 criteria.Synovial fluid samples were submitted to centrifugation,and the supernatant was evaluated by ELISA and lateral flow tests.The sensitivity(SE),specificity(SP)and accuracy of each method were calculated as well as the agreement between those two methods.RESULTS In all of the 31 samples from aseptic patients,alpha-defensin ELISA and lateral flow tests showed negative results for infection.Regarding the 22 infected patients,the lateral flow test was positive in 19 cases(86.4%)and the ELISA was positive in 21(95.5%).Sensibility,SP and accuracy were,respectively,86.4%(95%CI:65.1%-97.1%),100%(95%CI:88.8%-100%)and 93.2%(95%CI:82.8%-98.3%)for the lateral flow test and 95.5%(95%CI:77.2%-99.9%),100%(95%CI:88.8%-100%)and 98.1%(95%CI:89.9%-100%)for ELISA.An agreement of 96.2%between those methods were observed.No statistical difference was found between them(P=0.48).CONCLUSION Alpha-defensin lateral flow test showed high SE,SP and accuracy after a prior synovial fluid centrifugation,achieving comparable results to ELISA.Considering the lower complexity of the lateral flow and its equivalent performance obtained in this condition,a prior centrifugation might be added as a valuable step to enhance the PJI diagnosis.

Systematic review of single stage revision for prosthetic joint infection

While advanced technology,increased medical knowledge and improved surgical technique has improved patient outcomes in total joint arthroplasty,prosthetic joint infection still remains one of the leading causes of increased healthcare costs,medical resources and societal burdens in orthopaedic care.Two stage arthroplasty revision remains the gold standard for treatment of prosthetic joint infection.Proponents of single stage revision arthroplasty for infection argue that it results in lower healthcare costs while improving patient reported functional outcomes and with equivalent success rates.Here we review the history of single stage revision arthroplasty,discuss the key principles,highlight the indications and contraindications,and review the reported outcomes with a focus on future developments of single stage revision arthroplasty for hip and knee periprosthetic joint infections.

Synovial Fluid C-reactive Protein as a Diagnostic Marker for Periprosthetic Joint Infection： A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background： Periprosthetic joint infection （PJI） is the main cause of failure following total joint arthroplasty. Until now, the diagnosis of PJI is still confronted with technical limitations, and the question of whether synovial fluid biomarker, C-reactive protein （CRP）, can provide high value in the diagnosis of PJl remains unanswered and, therefore, was the aim of the study. Methods： First, we conducted a systematic review on CRP in the diagnosis of PJI by searching online databases using keywords such as ＂periprosthetic joint infection＂, ＂synovial fluid＂, and ＂C-reactive protein＂. Eligible studies providing sufficient data to construct 2 × 2 contingency tables were then selected based on the list of criteria and the quality of included studies was assessed subsequently. Finally, the reported sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratio （DOR）, summary receiver operating characteristic （SROC） curve, and the area under the SROC （AUSROC） were pooled together and used to evaluate overall diagnostic performance. Results： Seven studies were included in our review, six of which comprising a total of 456 participants were further investigated in our meta-analysis. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, and DOR were 0.92 （95% confidence interval [CI]： 0.86-0.96）, 0.90 （95% CI： 0.87-0.93）, and 101.40 （95% CI： 48.07-213.93）, respectively. The AUSROC was 0.9663 （standard error, 0.0113）. Conclusions： Synovial fluid CRP is a good biomarker for the diagnosis of PJI with high sensitivity and specificity.

Fungal periprosthetic joint infection:Rare but challenging problem

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is the most difficult complication following total joint arthroplasty. Most of the etiological strains, accounting for over 98% of PJI, are bacterial species, with Staphylococcus aureus and Coagulase-negative staphylococci present in between 50% and 60% of all PJIs. Fungi, though rare, can also cause PJI in 1%—2% of cases and can be challenging to manage. The management of this uncommon but complex condition is challenging due to the absence of a consistent algorithm. Diagnosis of fungal PJI is difficult as isolation of the organisms by traditional culture may take a long time, and some of the culture-negative PJI can be caused by fungal organisms. In recent years, the introduction of next-generation sequencing has provided opportunity for isolation of the infective organisms in culture-negative PJI cases. The suggested treatment is based on consensus and includes operative and non-operative measures. Two-stage revision surgery is the most reliable surgical option for chronic PJI caused by fungi. Pharmacological therapy with antifungal agents is required for a long period of time with antibiotics and included to cover superinfections with bacterial species. The aim of this review article is to report the most up-to-date information on the diagnosis and treatment of fungal PJI with the intention of providing clear guidance to clinicians, researchers and surgeons.