Implant-associated joint infections

Due to the increasing number of endoprosthetic joint replacement operations in older patients as well as in patients with severe primary diseases and comorbidities, the number of revision operations is continuously increasing due to infections. The infection of an endoprosthesis represents a complex clinical picture. This article provides a detailed overview of the treatment of periprosthetic infections with a focus on the diagnostic approach and treatment decision-making. A differentiation is made in periprosthetic infections between infections with a mature or immature biofilm on the surface of the implant. Depending on this, different treatment concepts are available. Highly acute infections represent an orthopedic/surgical emergency in artificial as well as in native joints. Low-grade infections play a role particularly in the area of exchange endoprosthetics. The greatest possible success is achieved only by the interplay of a timely diagnosis, sufficient surgical approach and individualized anti-infective treatment.