Abstract:

OBJECTIVE: To summarize current state of periprosthetic infection following artificial knee replacement.
METHODS: A computer-based online search of VIP was performed for articles related to periprosthetic infection following artificial knee replacement published between January 1998 and October 2009, with the key words “knee joint, total hip replacement, infection”. The data were collected, and references of each article were reviewed. A total of 18 articles were included.
RESULTS: Continuous pain and progressive joint stiffness following knee replacement may be a result of infection. Blood sedimentation, C-reactive protein and culture of joint drainage are main indexes of infection. Antibiotics alone cannot treat deep infection, and the prognosis is not favorable. Antibiotic-loaded articulating cement is an effective therapy for injection in revision at stagy II.
CONCLUSION: Infection following total knee replacement is very severe complication. It is necessary to diagnose infection early and treat using appropriate methods based on condition of disease.