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First UK use of bacteriophage therapy with DAIR for chronic Staphylococcus aureus prosthetic joint infection.

BACKGROUND: Chronic Staphylococcus aureus prosthetic joint infection (PJI) remains difficult to manage when surgical revision and long-term antibiotics are not feasible. Bacteriophage therapy is emerging as a potential adjunct, though experience in orthopedic infections, particularly in the United Kingdom, is limited. CASE SUMMARY: We report the first UK case of intra-articular bacteriophage therapy administered alongside debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention (DAIR) for chronic methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus knee PJI. An 81-year-old man with multiple comorbidities developed persistent infection following revision knee arthroplasty, with recurrent sinus formation despite multiple surgical washouts and prolonged suppressive antibiotics. Major revision surgery and amputation were not viable options. Following a multidisciplinary review through the UK Clinical Phage Network, targeted phage therapy was pursued as salvage treatment. Phage susceptibility testing identified an active lytic phage (ISP). The patient underwent open DAIR with intra-articular phage administration, adjunctive local antibiotics, short-course intravenous antimicrobials, and subsequent oral suppressive therapy. Two further intra-articular phage doses were administered postoperatively. Initial sinus closure occurred, but recurrence developed within 4 weeks. At 18 months, symptoms were partially improved with better mobility and reduced inflammation, though one sinus tract persisted. No significant adverse effects were observed. Whole-genome sequencing of pretreatment isolates demonstrated a predominantly ST5 S. aureus genotype with conserved biofilm-associated virulence genes and limited antimicrobial resistance in addition to clonal diversification consistent with chronic biofilm infection. CONCLUSION: This case demonstrates the feasibility and safety of intra-articular phage therapy during DAIR in a UK setting but highlights biological, logistical, and pharmacological factors that may limit efficacy in advanced chronic PJI.

Staphylococcus aureus

Convergent methodologies in prosthetic joint infection research: integrating transdisciplinary approaches to understand and prevent biofilm-driven failure of orthopaedic prostheses.

Prosthetic joint infections (PJIs) remain among the most devastating complications of arthroplasty, imposing substantial clinical, economic and patient burdens. Although culture-based diagnostics underpin current clinical practice, PJIs are biofilm-driven infections shaped by taxonomic diversity, spatial organization, host responses and surface interactions, meaning conventional approaches provide only a partial and often decontextualized view of the infection process. We examine how convergent methodologies can transform PJI research by integrating approaches that have traditionally been studied in isolation, including sequencing, transcriptomics, metabolomics, advanced imaging and culture-based characterization. We discuss how whole-genome sequencing, shotgun metagenomics, transcriptomic and metabolomic approaches resolve pathogen identity, functional activity and adaptive persistence and how cross-scale imaging and spatial biology techniques reveal where microbes colonize, interact and survive across implant surfaces. We highlight emerging opportunities to unify these datasets into coherent frameworks that capture both the molecular and physical dimensions of PJIs. Integrating these complementary approaches will enable a multi-layered understanding of PJIs that link composition, function and spatial organization. Ultimately, this provides a foundation for predictive diagnostics, precision antimicrobial strategies and improved implant design and supports a shift towards more effective, mechanism-informed management of implant-associated infection.

Prosthesis-Related Infections

In-host adaptation of Staphylococcus aureus during recurrent prosthetic joint infections: a retrospective longitudinal study.

UNLABELLED: The aim of this study was to characterize the in vivo evolution of Staphylococcus aureus strains involved in recurrent prosthetic joint infections (PJIs) both phenotypically and genomically. We conducted a monocentric retrospective study in a 1,437-bed French teaching hospital between 2013 and 2021. All patients presenting a recurrent S. aureus-related PJI-defined as at least two strains isolated from distinct clinical samples more than 90 days apart-of the knee, hip, or shoulder were included. Clinical data were reviewed, and all isolates underwent phenotypic characterization, including antimicrobial susceptibility testing, growth rate determination, biofilm production assays, metabolic profiling (API 50 CH), and virulence evaluation using the Galleria mellonella infection model. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was performed for all strains, followed by analyses of core-genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST), resistome, virulome, and mobilome composition, and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Thirteen patients met inclusion criteria, yielding 55 S. aureus isolates. Eight patients experienced recurrent infections caused by genetically closely related strains throughout the clinical course (median: three strains per patient; range: 2-6), whereas five patients were infected by genetically distinct strains. At baseline, isolates were genetically diverse and susceptible to methicillin and rifampicin; two showed fluoroquinolone resistance due to grlA and/or gyrA mutations. In one patient (patient C), a recurrent isolate acquired an rpoB S486L mutation, conferring rifampicin resistance after rifampicin exposure. Due to the limited sample size, it is difficult to draw definitive conclusions from the phenotypic analyses. This study highlights the adaptive evolution of S. aureus during chronic PJIs and underscores the need for further research to better understand intra-host dynamics in long-standing infections. IMPORTANCE: This study conducted in a 1,437-bed French teaching hospital analyzed the genomic and phenotypic evolution of 55 Staphylococcus aureus strains recovered in recurrent PJIs from 13 patients. The first strains showed high genotypic diversity across 12 different sequence types. Among the 13 patients, only eight experienced a true recurrence with the same strain, while five were contaminated with a different strain of S. aureus, indicating a new infection. Moreover, this study underscores the complex within-host evolution of S. aureus and highlights the phenotypical and genotypical adaptation during chronic infection.

Staphylococcus aureus

Investigation of a Mycobacterium fortuitum prosthetic joint infection outbreak at two ambulatory surgery centers in Tennessee.

OBJECTIVE: This study outlines the investigation into an outbreak of Mycobacterium fortuitum infections involving 17 cases undergoing hip or knee surgeries at two ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) in Tennessee from January 2023 to November 2024. Notably, the outbreak could not be attributed to contaminated water sources, which are typically associated with non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) outbreaks, presenting a unique challenge. METHODS: Outbreak investigation steps included Infection Prevention (IP) assessments, case-control study, environmental sampling, whole genome sequencing, and a healthcare personnel (HCP) exposure questionnaire. RESULTS: IP assessment highlighted several concerns, including no formal facility water management program (WMP), a lack of dedicated IP personnel and certified sterile processing staff, the absence of a formalized system for tracking surgical site infections, and a notable gap in understanding the requirements for reporting diseases. The case-control findings revealed a significant association between the presence of a surgical technologist in the operating room during the procedures and the occurrence of NTM infections, indicated by an odds ratio of 55.77 (95% CI [3.16-985.44]; P = 0.0097). Thirteen clinical isolates collected at one ASC and three additional isolates collected at a second ASC were highly related by whole genome sequencing. CONCLUSION: The study further elucidates valuable insights gained from the outbreak response, including the gaps in surveillance within the ambulatory surgical setting and systematic collection of cultures from environmental sources. It emphasizes the importance of thorough vetting, onboarding, continuing education, and practice monitoring for HCP.

Humans

Chronic suppression of a multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa in prosthetic joint infection using personalized bacteriophage treatment.

Multidrug resistant (MDR) bacterial infections without antibiotic options are a public health emergency. Infections associated with medical implants serve as an example. Conventional antibiotics have limited ability to eradicate these infections as they are associated with antibiotic-tolerant biofilms. Here, we report the use of bacteriophage therapy for the treatment of a MDR, non-operable Pseudomonas aeruginosa periprosthetic joint infection that had failed multiple antibiotic and surgical interventions. Treatment with intermittent bacteriophage therapy alone without antibiotics over a 2 year time period resulted in clinical resolution of the infection, but not microbiological eradication. Bacteriophage therapy established this control, in part, by altering virulence as defined by disease severity and symptoms and disrupting biofilm. Whole genome sequencing demonstrated the continued presence of bacteriophage during treatment. This provides preliminary evidence that bacteriophage therapy can be used to treat MDR infections in salvage cases when surgical and antibiotic options do not exist.

Humans

Results of combined amphotericin B-5-fluorcytosine therapy for prosthetic knee joint infected with Candida parapsilosis.

A prosthetic knee joint became infected with Candida parapsilosis, apparently introduced by arthrocentesis. The infection was quite indolent, present for several months before treatment. Although the joint fluid contained antibiotic concentrations in excess of the organism's minimum inhibitory concentration, medical therapy failed, and cure required removing the prosthesis and fusion of the knee.

Amphotericin B

A prospective pharmacokinetic interaction study between rifampicin and fusidic acid for the treatment of staphylococcal infections.

OBJECTIVE: Fusidic acid with rifampicin is used for the treatment of severe staphylococcal infection, particularly prosthetic joint infections. Previous studies using twice daily fusidic acid showed rifampicin increases fusidic acid clearance, potentially causing sub-therapeutic concentrations. It is uncertain whether this occurs with three-times daily dosing. This study sought to re-evaluate this potential drug-drug interaction. METHODS: In this prospective, open-label drug-drug interaction population pharmacokinetic (PK) study, participants were randomized to receive fusidic acid or rifampicin for 24 hours, followed by combination therapy for the duration of treatment. Drug concentration assays used liquid-chromatography mass spectroscopy on dried blood spots. Population PK models were built for fusidic acid, rifampicin and 25-desacetyl rifampicin. RESULTS: Ten participants were recruited. Inter-individual variability for both absorption (98.1%) and clearance (77.8%) were high for fusidic acid. A population pharmacokinetic model for fusidic acid revealed that early autoinhibition dominated over later rifampicin-mediated induction, resulting in a net decrease in fusidic acid clearance. The mean fusidic acid area under the curve during each dosing interval (AUCτ) at steady state was 1.76-fold [0.049, 34.918] higher relative to Day 1, despite high uncertainty.Large inter-individual (110%) variability in absorption was observed for rifampicin. There was no apparent effect on rifampicin metabolism by fusidic acid co-administration, however, fusidic acid decreased clearance of 25-desacetyl rifampicin. CONCLUSION: In patients treated with fusidic acid three times daily in combination with rifampicin, autoinhibition potentially counteracted rifampicin induction such that fusidic acid concentrations were not reduced. Rifampicin clearance was not affected by fusidic acid, but 25-desacetyl rifampicin clearance was decreased. There was large inter-individual variability in the observed concentrations and final parameter estimates.

Fusidic Acid

Do wound protectors reduce contamination in total shoulder arthroplasty? A randomized controlled trial.

HYPOTHESIS: Cutibacterium acnes is the most frequent cause of shoulder prosthetic joint infection with skin edges as a source of wound contamination. The primary purpose of this study was to determine if the use of a wound protector device decreases the deep wound bacterial colonization in primary shoulder arthroplasty. The secondary purpose was to assess the effect of device usage on deltopectoral muscle and cephalic vein injury. METHODS: This was a prospective, randomized controlled trial. A total of 100 patients undergoing primary total shoulder arthroplasty were enrolled and randomized into 2 groups: a wound protector group and a control group. Five patients withdrew from the study, leaving 48 patients in the wound protector group and 47 controls. Three deep wound culture swabs were taken after final arthroplasty implantation. The surgeon also graded deltoid, pectoralis major, and cephalic vein injury on a 0-3 scale based on modification to the Tscherne classification of soft tissue injury. The primary outcome of this study was positive culture results for C acnes. Secondary outcomes included total bacterial culture positivity as well as soft tissue injury grades. A subanalysis removing likely contaminant positive cultures (growth >7 days and 1 colony only) was also performed. Comparisons between groups were made using Fisher exact test for categorical outcomes and t tests and Mann-Whitney U tests for continuous variables. RESULTS: The use of a wound protector did not result in any significant differences compared with controls in the rate of positive cultures for C acnes (15% vs. 21%, P = .593) or all bacteria (15% vs. 26%, P = .304). Removing likely contaminant positive cultures did not demonstrate any significant difference in culture positivity (9% vs. 17%, P = .355, for C acnes; 9% vs. 19%, P = .231, for all bacterial species). The wound protector group had better soft tissue injury scores for the deltoid muscle (P < .001) and pectoralis muscle (P < .001). No difference in cephalic vein injury was noted between the 2 groups (P > .05). No difference in surgical time was noted. CONCLUSION: The use of a surgical wound protector device in total shoulder arthroplasty did not significantly decrease bacterial colonization of the deep wound. However, soft tissue damage to the deltoid and pectoralis muscle was less severe in the wound protector group. These findings suggest that this device reduces iatrogenic soft tissue injury.

Humans

Bacterial skin colonization with a specific Cutibacterium avidum clade as a risk factor for periprosthetic joint infections-a multicenter study.

Cutibacterium avidum is increasingly recognized as a causative agent of periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs), yet data on its pathogenic potential and distinguishing features from commensal strains remain limited. In this multicenter study, we compared 11 C. avidum isolates from PJIs with 32 isolates from healthy skin collected across four European hospitals. We investigated phylogenetic relationships, antibiotic susceptibility, biofilm formation, and bacterial fitness. Phylogenomic analysis revealed two main clades within the C. avidum population. All PJI isolates belonged exclusively to Clade 1, which also included skin isolates. Within Clade 1, gene content analysis showed no consistent genetic differences between PJI and skin isolates. All isolates exhibited moderate to strong biofilm formation, with no significant differences in either data set. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC) values were low and largely concordant, while minimal biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC) values were elevated for all antibiotics except rifampin. One isolate was resistant to clindamycin due to the erm(X) gene. Rifampin consistently showed the lowest MIC, minimal bactericidal concentration, MBIC, and MBEC values. Bacterial fitness, assessed via bacterial quantitative fitness analysis, was significantly lower in PJI isolates compared to skin isolates when all strains were analyzed (P = 0.039), but this difference was not statistically significant when restricted to Clade 1. In conclusion, C. avidum isolates are strong biofilm producers irrespective of clinical origin. PJI isolates are restricted to a single phylogenetic clade, yet lack distinct biofilm or fitness traits within that clade, suggesting that multiple Clade 1 strains may have the potential to cause PJIs. IMPORTANCE Cutibacterium avidum has long been considered a skin commensal, but it is increasingly associated with prosthetic joint infections (PJIs). Despite its clinical emergence, little is known about its virulence potential or how invasive strains differ from commensal ones. This multicenter study provides the most comprehensive comparative analysis to date, integrating phenotypic and genomic data from both PJI-associated and skin-derived isolates. We show that all isolates are strong biofilm formers and that invasive isolates exhibit reduced growth fitness-a phenotype linked to persistence and treatment failure in other pathogens. Notably, all PJI isolates belonged to a single phylogenetic clade, suggesting that specific lineages of C. avidum may be more likely to cause infection. These findings help clarify the biology of this emerging pathogen and provide a foundation for improved diagnostics, susceptibility testing, and future infection prevention and treatment strategies.

Biofilms

Antibiotic-impregnated bone graft to prevent infection after total hip arthroplasty (ABOGRAFT): protocol for a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Studies have shown promising results using bone graft as a carrier for local administration of antibiotics to reduce the risk of prosthetic joint infection (PJI). The objective of this clinical trial is to determine if tobramycin and vancomycin-impregnated bone graft is safe and effective in reducing the rate of PJI after total hip arthroplasty (THA). METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This study is an international, randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical drug trial. Patients scheduled for THA (n=1100) requiring bone grafting (excluding revisions due to an ongoing infection) are randomised in a 1:1 ratio to prophylactic treatment with tobramycin and vancomycin or placebo-impregnated bone graft.The primary outcome is the time to reoperation due to infection or diagnosis of PJI, expressed as a relative risk difference between the two groups. A risk reduction of at least 50% is considered clinically relevant. Secondary outcomes are time to and reason for reoperation and implant revision, type of micro-organism and antibiotic susceptibility pattern within 2 and 5 years after surgery. Safety outcomes are the number of adverse events and revision rate due to aseptic loosening. The primary analysis will be performed using proportional hazard models. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study has been approved under the Clinical Trial Regulation No 536/2014 (EU CT; 2024-510921-25-00). Results will be published in open-access peer-reviewed journals and disseminated to patient organisations and the media, and de-identified individual participant data will be curated and shared on reasonable request in accordance with the Findability, Accessibility, Interoperability and Reuse principles, subject to the laws and regulations governing data protection in each participating country. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT05169229.

Humans

Genomics for precision surgical source control in anti-microbial resistant infections: A global review with focus on resource-limited settings.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) critically threatens surgical safety, impairing perioperative prophylaxis and complicating infection management. Timely surgical source control is essential but relies on accurate microbiological diagnosis. Conventional culture-based methods are slow and insensitive, often leading to empirical broad-spectrum therapy. This review evaluates the role of advanced genomic diagnostics in enhancing surgical source control for AMR infections, with a focus on challenges and opportunities in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) like Pakistan. METHODOLOGY: A narrative review was conducted via a structured search of PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect (January 2015-October 2025). Studies involving genomic tools in the management of AMR-related surgical infections were included. Evidence was synthesized thematically, covering genomic platforms, clinical applications, implementation barriers, and LMIC specific perspectives. RESULTS: Genomic tools, particularly metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) and rapid multiplex PCR, demonstrate superior sensitivity (80.6-95.45%) and faster turnaround times (e.g., roughly 27 hours for mNGS) compared to culture. They improve pathogen detection in complex infections (e.g., prosthetic joints, necrotizing soft tissue), guide targeted antibiotic therapy, and can reduce broad-spectrum use. However, major implementation barriers exist, including high costs, need for specialized infrastructure and expertise, bioinformatic challenges, and ethical data concerns, which are especially pronounced in LMICs. CONCLUSION: Genomic diagnostics offer a powerful approach to accelerate and refine surgical source control in the era of AMR. Strategic investments in local capacity, affordable platforms, and integration with antimicrobial stewardship are needed to realize their potential for improving surgical outcomes, particularly in resource-limited settings.

Antimicrobial resistance

Gram negative bone and joint infection: sixty patients treated with amikacin.

Sixty patients with bone and joint infections secondary to gram negative infection were evaluated in relation to treatment with amikacin. Forty-seven of these patients had osteomyelitis, and 13 had joint infections, including 3 prosthetic replacements. The patients' average was 35 years and there was no predilection for any particular skeletal location. Only 6 patients had no associated predisposing medical problems. Of these problems fracture, diabetes and narcotic abuse were most common. Thirty patients had Psuedomonas infection, and 15 others had multiple pathogens including Pseudomonas. Aminoglycoside antibiotics had been previously used in 25. Amikacin was given for an average of 22 days with a mean dose of 13.4 mg/kg. Bone and synovial fluid levels of amikacin were in therapeutic range. At least 48 patients had concurrent local wound treatment in addition to parenteral administration of amikacin. In 47 patients enough information was available to determine the efficacy of treatment. Twenty-seven (57%) of these patients were considered cured, both clinically and for bacteriologic response; and additional 9 (19%) were considered partially cured. Amikacin is effective against susceptible pathogens in bone and joint infections and is a reasonable choice when aminoglycoside antibiotic is indicated.

Adolescent

Total prosthetic replacement of the temporomandibular joint.

Twenty-seven patients have been operated on for total replacement of the temporomandibular joint because of ankylosis due to trauma, arthritis, neoplasm, infection, or pain. One prosthesis had to be taken out because of gross infection due to Staphylococcus albus, 2 more were removed for pain and dislocation of the prosthesis, and 1 was removed because of erosion through the skin. The remaining 23 had no complications.

Adolescent

Evaluation of the tissue response to the wear products of the hip joint endo-arthroprosthesis.

The causes of tissue reaction surrounding heterogeneous materials are: cell-mediated hypersensitivity due to an implant material; infection; post-surgery hematoma, following lysis of red cells and deposition of hemosiderin; "True" implant reaction, i.e., tissue modifications produced by wear particles of components of the prosthetic devices used. The stages of inflammation due to wear particles are: phagocytosis of particles by newly formed fibrous capsule cells; lymphatic drainage of particles through the newly formed joint capsule; granulation tissue reaction in the internal surface of the joint capsule which stores non-removed particles from inadequate drainage; necrosis of granulation tissue in contacting the artificial joint surface; formation of free masses of necrotic tissue in the joint cavity; formation of new granulation tissue due to these necrotic masses and by wear particles liberated from them (the beginning of a vicious cycle); insufficient storage by granulation tissue; formation of "auxiliary" granulation tissue in the fibrous layer of the bone-cement interfaces and in the R.E.S. of the bone-marrow; bone resorption and its replacement by granulation tissue; loosening of the prosthesis.

Acetabulum

Morphological studies in tissues surrounding alloarthroplastic joints.

Histological, histochemical and ultrastructural studies were done on soft tissue surrounding alloarthroplastic joints. In 38 cases a prosthesis of the hip joint and in 2 cases of the knee had to be exchanged and replaced. In most of the cases the reoperation became necessary because the anchoring of the prosthetic parts in the bone loosened. Up to 18 months after the first operation infection was responsible for the malfunctioning in some cases. Other complications were luxation and material faults. The morphological changes are determined by the tissue reaction to the different alloplastic materials used and by the time interval they remained in the organism. The large polymerized acrylic cement particles are phagozytosed by multinucleated foreign body giant cells. About 12 months following the implantation of the artificial joints small double refractile particles appear and evoke characteristic morphological changes. The particles are abraded by the continuous friction of the moving alloplastic or metallic surfaces of the prostheses. Usually they are phagozytosed by histiocytes, which form large granulomas and undergo degenerative changes as is indicated by the ultrastructural and histochemical findings. These alterations are more pronounced and occur sooner in prosthesis with parts (rotation ball or cup.) fabricated by polyester than in those made by polyethylene. The abraded particles not only are transported to the inguinal lymphnodes, but also to the tissue between prostheses and bone, where they induce the same morphological changes as in the capsule. Hence the fibrous membrane separating bone and prostheses increases in width, and the spongy bone is partially destroyed by the proliferating histiocytes. It is assumed that by impairing the anchoring this foreign body reaction to the abraded alloplastic particles is the leading cause of the loosening of this kind of artificial joints.

Acid Phosphatase

Surface replacement arthroplasty of the hip.

The principle of hip joint resurfacing is replacement of diseased joint surfaces and simultaneous restoration of the normal anatomy and biomechanical function to the maximal degree possible. This concept offers several theoretical advantages over conventional total hip joint replacement and the clinical results in this series of 426 cases appears to confirm the value of both the method and the concept. Successful joint resurfacing surgery with attention to detail. Most problems can be anticipated and handled appropriately. Complications are few. The operation should only be done in cases of severe hip disability, when the patient's level of suffering demands operative intervention and when the only reasonable alternatives are fusion, total joint replacement or head and neck resection. It is an operation designed and recommended as an "in-between" procedure to gain time against the progressive disease. Resurfacing should not be performed if conservative measures or classic hip osteotomies offer significant benefit. The principal advantages of this procedure relate directly to the prosthetic design. Only the joint surfaces are removed during surgery, most of the normal bone is preserved, the medullary canal is not opened, and the implants utilized are of small volume. As a result the risk of infection is low compared to other implant arthroplasty techniques and clinical statistics confirm this anticipated advantage. The operation is designed to interfere minimally with the normal joint mechanics so it is also anticipated that prosthesis longevity will be greater than when rigid stem prostheses are placed in elastic bone. As yet follow-up is too short to make valid judgments on this point. The technique is applicable to younger patients, however, because if it should, in time, fail and other surgical treatment becomes necessary the original alternatives of total hip replacement, arthrodesis, or head and neck resection remain available. Relief of pain is predictable and almost all patients have experienced significant improvement in function. The procedure has a broader indication in cases of prior bone or joint infection and is definitely a preferable procedure in young individuals with severe hip disability.

Acetabulum