Please login to view this media

  • Talk
  • UK

Investigation and Management of Prosthetic Joint Infection in Knee Replacement

Description

This presentation by Jonathan Phillips focuses on the investigation and management of prosthetic joint infections (PJI) related to knee replacement surgery. Starting with an overview of the increasing burden of knee replacements in the UK, Phillips highlights the significant number of cases and the associated costs resulting from infections, even with a low infection rate of 1%. He discusses the establishment of an International Consensus Meeting to collectively address the challenges of PJI and the subsequent formation of the UK PJI group to tailor approaches to local needs.



Emphasizing the necessity for a multidisciplinary team (MDT) to effectively manage these infections, Phillips outlines the roles of various specialists including orthopedic surgeons, microbiologists, nurses, and pharmacists. He underscores the importance of standardizing treatment protocols and thorough documentation to improve patient outcomes. The presentation also delves into the diagnostic criteria established at the International Consensus Meeting in 2013, which is crucial for identifying infection through clinical assessments, blood tests, and synovial fluid analysis.



As the talk progresses, Phillips describes the different surgical options available, particularly the DAIR (debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention) and the implications of single versus two-stage revisions dependent on specific patient factors such as the severity of infection, implant stability, and comorbidities. He emphasizes the significance of preparing for surgery with clear communication with the microbiology team, detailing preoperative and intraoperative plans to ensure effective treatment.



The conclusion wraps up with a discussion on the complex nature of PJI treatment, the need for appropriate surgical interventions, and the importance of follow-up to monitor patients after surgeries, indicating that success in treating PJI involves not just the eradication of infection, but the maintenance of joint functionality and the quality of life for patients.

DOI: 10.1302/3114-210243

Specialties