TITLE:
Prosthetic Joint Infection Following Total Hip Arthroplasty—Effect of Choice of Bearing Surfaces and How to Investigate Further—A Review of the Literature
AUTHORS:
Ahmed Saad, Shafiq A. Shahban
KEYWORDS:
Prosthetic Joint Infection, Infection, Total Hip Replacement, Arthroplasty, Bearing Surfaces
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Access Library Journal,
Vol.5 No.6,
June
20,
2018
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) has proved to improve a patient’s quality of life. This procedure has become more refined overtime, and subsequently there is huge variation in its execution. Prosthetic Joint Infection (PJI) remains a disastrous complication following this procedure. Main body: This article reviews the literature surrounding the various bearing surface options and fixation methods associated with the development of PJI. The current literature is reviewed to best describe how to investigate PJI following THA. Discussion: There is evidence supporting that no particular combination of articulating surfaces increases the risk of developing PJI. Cement, impregnated with antibiotics, has been proven to have a lower PJI rate over uncemented prostheses. Conclusion: Further research is required to best determine the optimum choice of bearing surfaces and fixation methods. If PJI is diagnosed, the cornerstone to its management is through a Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) approach.