Joint replacement surgery is a proven and safe procedure that can provide better quality of life to patients by alleviating symptoms, improving mobility, and restoring of joint function.
The most common reason for joint replacement surgery is osteoarthritis, a degenerative condition that affects the joint’s cartilage, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.
Additionally, joint replacement surgery may be necessary for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, joint injuries or trauma, and avascular necrosis (a condition characterised by diminished blood flow to the bone).
Prosthetic joints are artificial devices that replace a damaged or diseased joint. There are two main types of prosthetic joints:
Prosthetic joints - typically made from metal, plastic, or ceramic materials - are designed to mimic the functionality of a natural joint. These artificial joints are attached to the bones using cement or other fixation devices and are typically designed to last for an extended period, often spanning many years.
The lifespan of a prosthetic joint can vary depending on factors such as the patient's age, activity level, and overall health.
A prosthetic joint infection is an infection that occurs in a joint replacement, such as a hip or knee replacement. This type of infection can occur within the first few months after surgery or even years late.
A small percentage of people with replacement joints are at risk of developing an infection. Prosthetic joint infections can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
It is important to contact your doctor right away if you experience any of the following symptoms after a joint replacement surgery:
The diagnosis of prosthetic joint infections can pose challenges because the symptoms may be non-specific and resemble other conditions. However, when patients with a joint prosthesis exhibit relevant signs and symptoms of infection, prosthetic joint infection should be considered as a potential cause.
Your doctor would first question your general health and symptoms before conducting a thorough physical examination. Diagnosis is made based on your reported symptoms, physical examination, and investigations.
Prosthetic joint infection can be hard to treat due to the development of biofilm within the joint. When bacteria adhere to the solid surface of an artificial joint, a biofilm forms. The biofilm can function as a shield for some bacteria, making it difficult to detect and destroy them with the body's natural defences or antibiotics.
The treatment of prosthetic joint infection typically involves a combination of surgical intervention and antibiotic therapy.
Surgical intervention
The surgical treatment of prosthetic joint infection may involve one or more of the following procedures:
Antibiotic therapy
The type of antibiotic and duration of treatment may vary depending on the severity of the infection, the type of bacteria involved, and other factors. Intravenous antibiotics may be given initially, followed by oral antibiotics.
To minimise the occurrence of prosthetic joint infections, a comprehensive approach combining measures before, during, and after surgery is crucial. Following are preventive measures to help mitigate the risk of infection:
A dedicated and expert team of Orthopaedic specialists at Pantai Hospital is available for consultation to provide the best care and assistance.
Get in touch with us to book an appointment today if you have concerns or questions regarding prosthetic joint infection. We assure you the best possible care tailored to your specific needs.
Pantai Hospital has been accredited by the Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH) for its commitment to patient safety and service quality.