Functional outcome in patients with infection after total joint arthroplasty

Abstract

The aim in treating infected total joint arthroplasty is to eradicate infection while optimizing functional outcome. Procedures that reduce morbidity and allow early rehabilitation are desirable as long as they do not compromise infection control.Research that reports functional outcome is rare in the recent literature, especially prospective studies with comparative controls and data collected during treatment. Use of articulating spacers in the hip and the knee has progressed to include lowfriction designs that enhance function during and after treatment with two-stage revision. There is increasing interest in patients who can be treated with one-stage direct exchange procedures. Resistant organisms may be associated with inferior clearance of infection and poor function, especially when associated with multiple procedures or amputation. We have reviewed the current literature concerned with the treatment of infected total hip and total knee arthroplasty with a focus on reported functional outcomes.