Treatment of Acute Periprosthetic Joint Infection Comparing Single and Planned Double-Debridement Antibiotics and Implant Retention Followed by Chronic Antibiotic Suppression

Surgical debridement and wash out of infected joint. The polyethylene (plastic) insert, which acts as the articulating surface (modular component) of the prosthesis, will be removed and the exposed surfaces scrubbed, sterilized, and soaked. A new modular component will be placed with additional irrigation and antiseptic soak. Tissue cultures will be sent to the lab for further evaluation and antibiotic guidance. After the operation subjects will continue six weeks of IV antibiotics followed by oral antibiotic suppression for the life of the implant or at least two years after operation.

Surgical debridement and wash out of infected joint with an additional irrigation and debridement scheduled for approximately 5 days after the initial DAIR. During the first washout, antibiotic cement beads will be placed in the joint and these will remain in the interim until they are removed during the second washout. During the second DAIR, the antibiotic beads are removed, and the modular components are once again removed and replaced with new components. Exposed surfaces are again irrigated and debrided following a standardized protocol. A six-week course of IV antibiotics will follow the DAIR with additional oral antibiotics for the life of the component (standard of care) or at least a minimum of two years.