Search Results (2)

Background/Objectives: The prevalence of joint replacement surgeries has significantly increased over the last century, leading to a corresponding rise in complications, particularly periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). The management of a PJI involves various strategies, including debridement, antibiotic therapy, and staged revision procedures. A notable advancement in treatment is the use of calcium sulfate reabsorbable carriers, recognized for their biocompatibility, osteoconductivity, and localized antibiotic delivery. Recent reports indicate that when combined with conventional treatment regimens, calcium sulfate carriers can achieve infection eradication rates exceeding 90%. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of calcium sulfate carriers in managing periprosthetic infections, specifically assessing their impact on healing rates in patients undergoing treatment. Study Design & Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted at our institution, focusing on patients diagnosed with PJIs treated with 2-stage revision surgery with local application of calcium sulfate carriers with antibiotics at both stages, and systemic antibiotic therapy, and comparing results with different surgical procedures. Results: The study included 40 patients (24 males and 16 females), with a mean age of 68.7 (range 48–87) years. The affected joints included the hip (27.5%), shoulder (27.5%), and knee (45%). The findings revealed that 97% of patients achieved infection eradication at the end of the follow-up period. Conclusions: These results highlight the complexities of managing PJIs and the significant role of calcium sulfate carriers in improving outcomes, supporting their use as a standard practice in confirmed PJI cases. Full article

Septic arthritis (SA) represents an orthopedics urgency and mainly affects the knee joint. Due to its devastating effects on cartilage, immediate management is crucial. SA is characterized by an annual incidence of 2 to 10 cases per 100,000 individuals, with mortality rates fluctuating between 0.5% and 15%, with a substantially higher mortality rate observed in older people (15%) in contrast to younger cohorts (4%). The etiology of septic arthritis is multifactorial: a spectrum of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria can contribute to the development of this condition, especially Staphylococcus aureus. The treatment involves urgent (arthroscopic or arthrotomic) debridement associated with adequate antibiotic therapy. Intra-articular antibiotic carriers can also be used to increase their local concentration and effectiveness. The case of a 67-year-old woman affected by knee SA from methicillin-susceptible S. aureus is presented. She was treated with an arthroscopic debridement enhanced by intra-articular antibiotic-loaded calcium sulphate beads, together with antibiotic therapy. At 2-year follow up, the infection had been eradicated and the patient fully recovered. This is the first description, to our knowledge, in the English literature, of the use of antibiotic-loaded calcium sulphate beads as an adjuvant in the surgical treatment of SA of a native knee joint. Full article