On the value and limitations of incorporating a "clean phase" into the surgical treatment of prosthetic joint infections - an illustrative cadaveric study using fluorescent powder.

PURPOSES: A septic revision of an artificial joint is routinely split up in a so-called dirty phase and a clean phase. The measures taken to initiate the start of the clean phase vary significantly between musculoskeletal infection centers. We performed simulations of one-step exchanges of infected THAs and sought to 1) determine the effect of different clean phase protocols on the sterile field, and 2) determine whether or not it is possible to re-implant the new prosthesis completely clean. METHODS: Nine fresh frozen cadaveric hips were used and primary THA was undertaken via a direct anterior approach. Before implantation of the components varying amounts of fluorescent powder (GloGerm) were deposited, simulating bacterial infection. Second, a one-step exchange was performed via a posterolateral approach. After implant removal, debridement, and lavage, randomization determined which clean phase protocol was followed, i.e. no, some or full additional measures. Finally, the new prosthesis was re-implanted. In order to determine the effect of different clean phase protocols on contamination of the sterile field standardized UV light-enhanced photographs were obtained of 1) the gloves, 2) the instrument table, 3) the drapes, and 4) the wound and these were ranked on cleanliness by a blinded panel of hip surgeons. In order to determine whether or not it is possible to re-implant the prosthesis completely clean, the implant was taken out again at the end of the one-step exchange and inspected for contamination under UV light. RESULTS: The gloves, the instrument table, the drapes and the wound were significantly cleaner after a clean phase using full additional measures compared to partial or no additional measures (p < 0.000). Partial measures were able to reduce some of the contamination of the gloves and the wound, but had no effect on the drapes and the instrument table. All re-implanted implants were contaminated with some amount of fluorescent powder at the end of the one-step exchange. CONCLUSIONS: We advise to incorporate a clean phase with full additional measures into the surgical treatment of prosthetic joint infections, as partial measures seem to be a poor compromise. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Not applicable (cadaveric study).

Prevalence, interpretation, and management of unexpected positive cultures in revision TKA: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: Unexpected positive intraoperative cultures (UPIC) found in revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are difficult to interpret. Management goes along with risks for both over- and undertreating a potential periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). The objective of this systematic review was to determine the prevalence of UPIC in revision TKA surgery, evaluate the diagnostic workup process and the postoperative treatment, and assess outcome regarding re-revision rates. METHODS: Evidence was gathered from Medline (PubMed) and Embase published from January 2000 until April 2021. Nine studies with data of UPIC in revision TKA and outcome after at least 2 years of follow-up were identified. RESULTS: The calculated prevalence of UPIC in aseptic knee revision surgery was 8.32%. However, the diagnostical approach differs as well as the used criteria to confirm PJI in presumed aseptic revision surgery. The work-up generally consists of a serum C-reactive protein and Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate, joint fluid aspiration for culture and white blood cell count and formula, and radiographic imaging. Collection of intraoperative cultures is widely used, but inconsistent in sample amount and incubation time. Once a single UPIC is found, surgeons tend to treat it in different ways. Regarding re-revision rates, the weighted arithmetic mean in the included studies was 18.45% in the unsuspected PJI group compared to 2.94% in the aseptic group. There also seems to be a trend towards higher re-revision rates when a higher number of intraoperative cultures are positive. CONCLUSION: The interpretation of UPIC in revision TKA is of utmost importance since the decision whether to treat a UPIC as an unsuspected PJI has a major impact on implant survival and re-revision rate. Different criteria are used to differentiate between unsuspected PJI and contamination in true aseptic failure, and the heterogeneity amongst the included papers impedes to state a clear recommendation, integrating not only quantitative findings, but also qualitative data such as virulence of the identified microorganism. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Systematic review, III.

International trauma care: initial European approaches during the COVID 19 pandemic.

The world was not prepared for the global of pandemic in early 2020 with the arrival of COVID 19. Europe has some of the most developed health care systems in the world and this article explains the initial response to the pandemic from an orthopaedic and trauma viewpoint from 8 nations. Italy reported the first cluster in February, which then rapidly spread around the continent, requiring a rapid reorganization of services. The reports highlight how elective surgery was universally stopped, surgical services were reconfigured, and new practices, such as the widespread use of telemedicine, may well become permanent. It also emphasizes how the pandemic has re-educated us on the importance of a consistent and central approach to deal with a global health crisis, and how medical services need to remain flexible and responsive to new ways of working.

Functional outcome and general health status after plate osteosynthesis of posterior malleolus fractures - The quest for eligibility.

INTRODUCTION: The necessity for reduction and fixation of posterior malleolus fractures remains under debate. Therefore, we assessed the functional outcome and quality after plate osteosynthesis of the posterior malleolus, identified the main drivers of outcome and aimed to determine which patient and fracture type are eligible for plate osteosynthesis of the posterior malleolus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective patient cohort of 50 patients with an ankle fracture including the posterior malleolus underwent plate osteosynthesis via a posterior approach, and was compared to a retrospective patient cohort of 85 consecutive patients who did not. Twenty-five demographic, operative and postoperative characteristics were assessed. Outcome was recorded using questionnaires: AOFAS, EQ-5D, EQ-5D-VAS, EQ-5D-TTO, sensory nerve-associated complications, and flexion deficit of the hallux. RESULTS: Direct reduction and plate osteosynthesis of posterior malleolus fractures was inferior to non-operative treatment. Subanalysis of trimalleolar fractures revealed that the outcome of plate osteosynthesis was equal. Both fracture type and plate osteosynthesis were independent drivers of the outcome; Haraguchi type 3 posterior malleolus fractures were associated with the best functional outcome and quality of life scores. Comorbidity, age, postoperative complications and reintervention largely determined the outcome. Up to 30% of the patients reported (temporarily) flexion deficit of the hallux and 38% numbness at the lateral side of the foot. CONCLUSIONS: There is no indication for routine plate osteosynthesis of all posterior malleolus fractures. Careful patient selection, less invasive surgery and modified postoperative rehabilitation seem mandatory to improve the outcome and prevent adverse effects.