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- Talk
- 19/09/2023
- UK
Avoiding Treatment Failures in Fracture Related Infections (FRI)
Description
In this presentation, Dr. Hemant Sharma addresses the nuances of managing postoperative complications, particularly focusing on infections related to arthroplasty procedures. He outlines his approach which diverges from conventional practices, aiming to provide insightful advice on both effective strategies and pitfalls to avoid in diagnosing and managing infections.
Dr. Sharma begins by emphasizing the importance of accurate diagnosis amidst the challenging nature of postoperative infections. He points out that existing tests often lack sensitivity and specificity, making clinical judgment crucial. Notably, he introduces a pilot study exploring thermal imaging to diagnose infections through wound temperature variations, leveraging thermal imaging as a potential diagnostic tool.
The talk underscores the significance of proper sample collection for microbiological testing, detailing the importance of handling and transportation to ensure accurate culture results. Critically, he dismisses superficial samples as unhelpful and promotes deeper tissue sampling for accurate infection diagnosis.
Dr. Sharma discusses the timing of intervention in addressing infections—specifically, the favorable outcomes associated with early interventions and implant retention within 10 weeks of infection onset. He advises against the use of intramedullary nails in infected scenarios, citing negative influences on patient outcomes.
The importance of a multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach is a central theme. Dr. Sharma describes how his institution has integrated various specialists into weekly meetings which have reportedly improved patient outcomes. He champions comprehensive assessment modalities that account for multiple factors impacting recovery, rather than focusing solely on infection duration.
Overall, the talk is rich in evidence-based recommendations while acknowledging gaps in literature and ongoing research needs in this field, particularly advocating for focused studies that will enhance understanding and treatment outcomes in complex cases of periprosthetic infections.