Diagnostics, Antibiotic Usage and Surgery Related Techniques in Prevention and Treatment of Prosthetic Joint and Implant Related Infections

Dear Colleagues,

Prosthetic joint infections (PJIs) remain among the most serious and complex complications that can follow joint arthroplasty, particularly in hip and knee replacements. With the global increase in both primary and revision joint arthroplasty procedures, the incidence and clinical burden of PJIs are growing. These infections not only compromise patient outcomes but also pose substantial challenges to orthopedic surgeons and infectious disease specialists alike.

The accurate and timely diagnosis of PJIs is crucial. Advances in imaging, molecular diagnostics, and biomarker identification are improving our ability to detect infections early and implement targeted therapy. Still, there remains a need for standardized diagnostic criteria and personalized treatment strategies, especially in the setting of multidrug-resistant organisms and recurrent infections.

Antibiotic usage plays a pivotal role throughout the continuum of care—from prophylaxis during primary arthroplasty to salvage procedures in complex revision cases. While perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis has significantly reduced infection rates in primary procedures, managing infections in revision arthroplasty is markedly more complicated due to factors such as antibiotic resistance and the formation of biofilms on implants.

Equally critical are surgical techniques for preventing and treating PJI and FRI. Skin preparation, irrigation solutions, and debridement techniques are some examples of these.

This Special Issue focuses on antibiotic strategies in primary and revision joint arthroplasty and the evolving landscape of diagnostics and therapies for bone and joint infections. Original articles and meta-analyses in both clinical and basic research are welcome, as well as review articles that summarize the newest knowledge in the field.

Prof. Dr. Bernd Fink
Prof. Dr. Steffen Ruchholtz
Guest Editors

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