A population-based study on the treatment and outcome of enterococcal prosthetic joint infections. A consecutive series of 55 cases

• Main Authors: O. Thompson, M. Rasmussen, A. Stefánsdóttir, B. Christensson, P. Åkesson
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Copernicus Publications 2019-11-01
• Series: Journal of Bone and Joint Infection
• Online Access: https://jbji.copernicus.org/articles/4/285/2019/jbji-4-285-2019.pdf

<p class="p p-first" id="__p2">AIM: Enterococci cause 2-11% of all prosthetic joint infections (PJI) and are generally considered difficult to treat. However, study-results are not consistent. In this study we present a population-based case series of 55 cases with enterococcal PJI, investigating treatment and outcome, as well as describing the affected patient population regarding demography and co-morbidities.</p><p id="__p3">METHODS: We identified all enterococcal PJIs in the Region of Skåne, Sweden, during a five-year period (2011-2015) and reviewed the patients' medical records.</p><p id="__p4">RESULTS: Fifty-five enterococcal PJIs were found. Enterococcus faecalis was the most frequently isolated species (84%), and poly-microbial infections were common (64%). Treatment with intention to cure was given to 43 (78%) cases. Debridement with retention of the implant and antibiotics (DAIR) was the most common surgical treatment strategy (71%), with a cure-rate of 72%. Overall cure-rate was 67%, and in cases where cure was intended, this was achieved in 80%.</p><p class="p p-last" id="__p5">CONCLUSIONS: When cure is aimed for, the prognosis for enterococcal PJI is not so poor, and DAIR treatment can provide adequate results in many cases.</p>