RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) remains a major complication following total joint arthroplasties (TJA), significantly affecting patient outcomes and healthcare costs. Despite advances in diagnostic techniques, challenges persist in accurately diagnosing PJI, underscoring the need for effective point-of-care testing (POCT). METHODS: This review examines the current literature and latest developments in POCT for diagnosing PJI, focusing on biomarkers such as alpha-defensin, leukocyte esterase, calprotectin, and C-reactive protein (CRP). Criteria from various societies like the Musculoskeletal Infection Society, Infectious Diseases Society of America, and the International Consensus Meeting were compared to evaluate the effectiveness of these biomarkers in a point-of-care setting. RESULTS: POCT provides rapid results essential for the timely management of PJI, with alpha-defensin and leukocyte esterase showing high specificity and sensitivity. Recent advancements have introduced novel biomarkers like calprotectin, which demonstrate high diagnostic accuracy. However, challenges such as the variability in test performance and the need for validation under different clinical scenarios remain. DISCUSSION: While POCT for PJI shows promising results, their integration into clinical practice requires standardized protocols and further validation. The evolution of these diagnostic tools offers a potential shift toward more personalized and immediate care, potentially improving outcomes for patients undergoing TJA.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Peri-megaprosthetic joint infections (PJI) in tumor surgery are complex and challenging complications that significantly impact the outcomes of the patients. The occurrence of PJI poses a substantial threat to the success of these operations. This review aims to identify and summarize the risk factors associated with PJI in tumor surgery with megaprosthetic reconstruction as well as to determine the overall risk of PJI in limb salvage surgery. METHODS: A thorough examination of published literature, scrutinizing the incidence of PJI in tumor prostheses after limb salvage surgery was done. Research studies that documented the incidence of PJI in tumor patients who underwent limb salvage surgery, and explored the risk factors associated with the occurrence of PJI were deemed eligible. RESULTS: A total of 15 studies were included in the analysis and underwent comprehensive examination. After the exploration of key parameters, several significant risk factors for PJI concerning the type of implant coating, surgical site characteristics, patient demographics, and procedural factors were recorded. DISCUSSION: The findings underscore the need for a nuanced approach in managing tumor patients undergoing limb salvage surgery and megaprosthetic reconstruction, with emphasis on individualized risk assessments and individualized preventive strategies.
RESUMEN
Below-knee amputation is the treatment of choice for distal tibia malignancies, considering the specific anatomic features of the distal leg and ankle. However, advances in imaging modalities and adjuvant therapies and improved surgical techniques have made limb salvage surgery increasingly possible. The distal tibia is an uncommon location for malignant bone tumors, and there is limited information about limb salvage and reconstruction. Currently, 3-dimensional printed implants may successfully address reconstruction challenges after tumor resection. We present a patient with high-grade osteosarcoma of the distal tibia who underwent limb salvage and distal tibia and ankle joint replacement with a 3-dimensional printed endoprosthesis. [Orthopedics. 2022;45(6):e348-e352.].