Management strategies of prosthetic joint infections of the hip
Prosthetic joint infection (PJI) of the hip remains a devastating and costly complication of total hip arthroplasty. The treatment depends on many factors: host comorbidities, the duration of symptoms and the infecting organism. Irrigation and debridement can be performed for acute cases accompanied by modular component exchange. For chronic infections, a single-stage or two-stage revision is possible depending on the patient’s general health. If revision is not possible, antibiotic suppression or a resection arthroplasty (Girdlestone procedure) may be indicated. In all cases, a multidisciplinary team approach must be utilized, coordinated by the orthopedic surgeon and the specialist in infectious diseases. The eradication of infection is essential whilst maintaining optimal hip function.
