INTRODUCTION

Prosthetic joint infection is a feared complication of total joint replacement surgery and occurs as a result of bacterial contamination of the implant surface. It can occur at any point after the initial operation and is characterized by a slow, indolent course that usually results in a delay in diagnosis. Diagnosis and treatment are difficult, and eradication by nonoperative means is rare if not impossible. The consequences of misdiagnosis are substantial and may lead to unnecessary surgery in the case of a false positive. Delays in diagnosis can make control of the infection more difficult and necessitate removal of the prosthesis, which entails prolonged immobilization and delayed reimplantation.

EPIDEMIOLOGY

Approximately 500,000 primary joint arthroplasties are performed every year in the United States. Infection is relatively rare, occurring in 1–2% of primary surgeries, but represents the second leading cause of failure. Treatment for prosthetic joint infection costs an estimated $250 million annually in the United States. The causative organisms are usually Staphylococcus aureus or Staphylococcus epidermidis.

CLINICAL FEATURES

Pain is the most common presenting symptom (Table 26.1). Drainage is the second most common and is strongly suggestive of infection if it is present several weeks postoperatively. Fever is rarely present. The presentation is often subacute, and complaints of pain must be approached with a high degree of suspicion for infection. Most prosthetic joint infections occur as late infections.