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Prosthetic joint infection: Diagnosis and treatment

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Conclusion

Prosthetic joint-associated infections are still difficult to diagnose and to treat. The best diagnostic procedures include histological and microbiological studies of several tissue specimens. In the future, culture and PCR amplification technique of material dislodged from devices by ultrasonication may improve the ideal diagnostic yield. The ideal surgical treatment option depends on the condition of bone stock and soft tissue, as well as on the virulence and antibiotic susceptibility of the infective agent. In patients with stable implants, short duration of staphylococcal infection, initial debridement, and tolerance of long-term antibiotic treatment, a treatment regimen using a rifampin-combination therapy has a good chance of success with retention of the implant.

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Zimmerli, W. Prosthetic joint infection: Diagnosis and treatment. Curr Infect Dis Rep 2, 377–379 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11908-000-0059-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11908-000-0059-z

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