Teicoplanin versus cefamandole in the prevention of infection in total hip replacement

Single-Dose Perioperative Antibiotics Do Not Increase the Risk of Surgical Site Infection in Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) is commonly performed as an outpatient procedure. To facilitate this process, a single-dose intravenous (IV) perioperative antibiotic administration is required compared to 24-hour IV antibiotic dosing schedules that are typical of most inpatient arthroplasty procedures. There is a paucity of literature to guide surgeons on the safety of single-dose perioperative antibiotic administration for arthroplasty procedures, particularly those that will be performed in the outpatient setting. The purpose of this study is to evaluate a large series of UKA performed with single-dose vs 24-hour IV antibiotic coverage to determine the impact on risk for surgical site infection (SSI).

METHODS

All UKA cases were evaluated from 2007 to 2017 performed by a single surgeon at an academic institution. There were 296 UKAs in the cohort: 40 were outpatient procedures receiving single-dose antibiotics and 256 were inpatient procedures receiving 24-hour antibiotics. No patients were prescribed adjuvant oral antibiotics. Mean age was 64 years, 50% were female, mean body mass index was 32 kg/m², and mean follow-up was 4.1 years (range 1.0-10.4). Perioperative antibiotic regimen was evaluated and SSI, defined as occurring within 1 year of surgery, was abstracted through a prospective total joint registry and manual chart review.

RESULTS

SSI occurred in 2 of 296 cases (0.7%) in the entire cohort, 2 of 256 inpatient UKAs (0.8%), and 0 of 40 outpatient UKAs (0%) (P = 1.00). One SSI was a deep infection occurring 6 weeks postoperatively that required 2-stage exchange and conversion to total knee arthroplasty. The other was a superficial infection treated with 2 weeks of oral antibiotics.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates a low SSI risk (0.8% or less) following UKA with both single-dose and 24-hour IV antibiotics. Administering single-dose perioperative antibiotics is safe for UKA, which should alleviate that potential concern for outpatient surgery.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, Therapeutic.

Is There a Difference in Infection Risk Between Single and Multiple Doses of Prophylactic Antibiotics? A Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The prevention of surgical site infection guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently recommended that only a single dose of preoperative antibiotics be administered to patients undergoing clean-contaminated procedures based on data from a variety of surgical disciplines. For orthopaedic procedures, where postoperative infections can have significant consequences, the existing evidence for this recommendation is widely debated.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

Is there a difference in postoperative infection risk when utilizing a single dose of preoperative antibiotics compared with multiple doses of perioperative antibiotics for orthopaedic procedures where implants are placed?

METHODS

MEDLINE, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and Cochrane were systematically reviewed for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of a single dose of preoperative antibiotics compared with pre- and postoperative prophylaxis from 1980 to 2017 for all orthopaedic procedures where implants were being placed. Infection (both superficial and deep) as a primary outcome through all available followup was required for inclusion. Fourteen RCTs detailing 9691 orthopaedic procedures were included for analysis, including seven arthroplasty, one spine, and six general orthopaedic trials (two specific to hip fracture fixation). Pooled infection outcomes were analyzed with random-effects modeling in light of study heterogeneity. Bias was evaluated using the Cochrane risk of bias tool as well as a funnel plot for publication bias, and quality of evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Bias was largely uncertain; however, a high risk of bias was noted in four studies. No significant overall publication bias was noted. The quality of evidence was determined to be very low based on the GRADE tool, downgraded based on risk of bias, inconsistency, and imprecision. Despite the quality of evidence, the data were pooled in light of the current recommendations from the CDC to critically evaluate the recommendation that a single dose of antibiotics be utilized.

RESULTS

There were no differences in infection risk between single- versus multiple-dose groups (single: 83 of 4263 [2%], multiple: 101 of 5428 [2%]; odds ratio, 0.92 [95% confidence interval, 0.56-1.51]; p = 0.740, I = 36% for statistical heterogeneity).

CONCLUSIONS

There is no difference in infection risk between a single dose and multiple doses of perioperative antibiotics for orthopaedic procedures where implants are utilized, consistent with recent recommendations. However, the quality of evidence for orthopaedic procedures is low, and a randomized study with a sufficient sample size is needed to examine the issue before universal adoption of a single antibiotic dose.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level I, therapeutic study.

Perioperative Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Single Dose Is as Effective as Multiple Doses

BACKGROUND

Recent surgical site infection prevention guidelines recommend that no additional prophylactic antibiotics be administered after the surgical incision is closed in clean-contaminated procedures. Although there is ample evidence to support this recommendation in non-arthroplasty surgery, there is concern about extending these guidelines to surgical procedures with an implant such as total joint arthroplasty (TJA). The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of a single dose of prophylactic antibiotics with that of multiple doses of antibiotics for prevention of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) in patients undergoing TJA.

METHODS

A retrospective study of 20,682 primary TJAs carried out from 2006 to 2017 was performed. Patients who received a single dose of prophylactic antibiotics (n = 4,523) were compared with patients who received multiple doses of antibiotics (n = 16,159). A previously validated PJI risk score was assigned to each patient. Patients who developed PJI within 1 year were identified, and a multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to control for potential confounders. Analyses using propensity score matching and regression adjustment were also performed.

RESULTS

The overall PJI rate was 0.60% (27 of 4,523) for patients who received a single dose of antibiotics compared with 0.88% (142 of 16,159) for those who received multiple doses. There was no difference in the PJI rate between patients who received a single dose of antibiotics and those who received multiple doses in the univariate (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 0.674, p = 0.064), multivariate (OR = 0.755, p = 0.205), or propensity score matched analysis (OR = 0.746, p = 0.277). Furthermore, multiple doses did not demonstrate any additional benefit for patients with a high preoperative risk of PJI (p = 0.136).

CONCLUSIONS

This study supports the notion that the administration of additional antibiotics following skin closure may not be required for primary TJA, regardless of the patient's preoperative risk of PJI. The findings of this large retrospective study highlight the need for a randomized, prospective study on which to base guidelines.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Antibiotics and antiseptics for preventing infection in people receiving revision total hip and knee prostheses: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Infection rates in revision (second and subsequent) major joint arthroplasty continues to be a significant issue with rates 2-3 times those of primary procedures. The effect of antibiotic and antiseptic prophylaxis on outcomes for this type of surgery has not been adequately reviewed.

METHODS

A systematic search of the main databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating antibiotics and antiseptics was conducted to evaluate the predetermined endpoints of infection.

RESULTS

There were five (5) RCTs identified that examined the effects of antibiotic and antiseptic prophylaxis on infections after revision total hip arthroplasty [THA] (total of 304 participants) and total knee arthroplasty [TKA] (total of 206 participants). For TKA, preoperative systemic intravenous (IV) antibiotic prophylaxis plus antibiotic cement may be effective in reducing the incidence of infection in revision TKA at 8+ years. These results however should be interpreted with caution due to the significant biases. For revision THA, there is no RCT evidence that antibiotics/antiseptics have any effect on the infection rate.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a lack of high quality data demonstrating an effect of antibiotics or antiseptics on infection rates in revision THA/TKA. Considering the rate of infections in revisions is 2-3X that of primary procedures and; there is a consensus recommendation to use similar antibiotic and antiseptic regimens in both primary and revision procedures, there is a need for high quality studies in revision THA/TKA.

Prophylactic antibiotics in elective hip and knee arthroplasty: an analysis of organisms reported to cause infections and National survey of clinical practice

Objectives

We wanted to investigate regional variations in the organisms reported to be causing peri-prosthetic infections and to report on prophylaxis regimens currently in use across England.

Methods

Analysis of data routinely collected by Public Health England’s (PHE) national surgical site infection database on elective primary hip and knee arthroplasty procedures between April 2010 and March 2013 to investigate regional variations in causative organisms. A separate national survey of 145 hospital Trusts (groups of hospitals under local management) in England routinely performing primary hip and/or knee arthroplasty was carried out by standard email questionnaire.

Results

Analysis of 189 858 elective primary hip and knee arthroplasty procedures and 1116 surgical site infections found statistically significant variations for some causative organism between regions. There was a 100% response rate to the prophylaxis questionnaire that showed substantial variation between individual trust guidelines. A number of regimens currently in use are inconsistent with the best available evidence.

Conclusions

The approach towards antibiotic prophylaxis in elective arthroplasty nationwide reveals substantial variation without clear justification. Only seven causative organisms are responsible for 89% of infections affecting primary hip and knee arthroplasty, which cannot justify such widespread variation between prophylactic antibiotic policies.

Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2015;4:181–189.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials of antibiotics and antiseptics for preventing infection in people receiving primary total hip and knee prostheses

Infection rates in primary (first-time) major joint arthroplasty continue to be a significant issue. The effect of antibiotic and antiseptic prophylaxis on outcomes for this type of surgery has not been adequately reviewed. A systematic search of the main databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating antibiotics and antiseptics was conducted to evaluate the predetermined endpoints of infection, adverse events, costs, quality of life, and concentration levels of antibiotics. A meta-analysis using pooled effect estimates and fixed-effect and random-effect models of risk ratios (RR), calculated with 95% confidence intervals (CI), was utilized. Thirty (30) RCTs examined the effects of antibiotic and antiseptic prophylaxis on infections after primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) (total of 11,597 participants) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) (total of 6,141 participants). For THA, preoperative systemic intravenous (i.v.) antibiotic prophylaxis may be effective in reducing the incidence of infection after THA from 6 months to ≥5 years. For TKA, there is no RCT evidence that antibiotics and/or antiseptics have any effect on infection rate. Preoperative systemic antibiotic prophylaxis in primary THA may be effective at reducing infection rate. There is no evidence that timing, route of administration, or concentration levels have an effect on reducing infections, adverse events, or costs in THA or TKA. Many of the trials included in this study were published in the 1980s and 1990s. Thus, it would be important to replicate a number of them based on current patient demographics and incidence of bacterial resistance.

Trends in orthopaedic antimicrobial prophylaxis in the UK between 2005 and 2011

INTRODUCTION

Antimicrobial prophylaxis remains the most powerful tool used to reduce infection rates in orthopaedics but the choice of antibiotic is complex. The aim of this study was to examine trends in antimicrobial prophylaxis in orthopaedic surgery involving the insertion of metalwork between 2005 and 2011.

METHODS

Two questionnaires (one in 2008 and one in 2011) were sent to all National Health Service trusts in the UK using the Freedom of Information Act.

RESULTS

In total, 87% of trusts that perform orthopaedic surgery responded. The use of cefuroxime more than halved between 2005 and 2011 from 80% to 36% and 78% to 26% in elective surgery and trauma surgery respectively. Combination therapy with flucloxacillin and gentamicin rose from 1% to 32% in elective and 1% to 34% in trauma surgery. Other increasingly popular regimes include teicoplanin and gentamicin (1% to 10% in elective, 1% to 6% in trauma) and co-amoxiclav (3% to 8% in elective, 4% to 14% in trauma). The majority of changes occurred between 2008 and 2010. Over half (56%) of the trusts stated that Clostridium difficile was the main reason for changing regimes.

CONCLUSIONS

In 2008 a systematic review involving 11,343 participants failed to show a difference in surgical site infections when comparing different antimicrobial prophylaxis regimes in orthopaedic surgery. Concerns over C difficile and methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus have influenced antimicrobial regimes in both trauma and elective surgery. Teicoplanin would be an appropriate choice for antimicrobial prophylaxis in both trauma and elective units but this is not reflected in its current level of popularity.

Glycopeptide vs. non-glycopeptide antibiotics for prophylaxis of surgical site infections: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Patients receive prophylactic antibiotics against surgical site infections (SSIs) before or during many procedures. Glycopeptide antibiotics are effective against most strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), but their wider use risks increasing resistance. Our objective was to review the evidence for clinical effectiveness that might help to determine whether there is a threshold of MRSA prevalence at which switching from non-glycopeptide to glycopeptide antibiotic prophylaxis might be justified.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review of randomized trials comparing a glycopeptide with an alternative antibiotic regimen for SSI prophylaxis in adults undergoing clean or clean-contaminated surgical procedures. The evidence was used to inform development of a decision-analytic model. We subsequently updated the review to May 2008.

RESULTS

Fourteen studies were identified that provided evidence concerning clinical effectiveness. The studies were too heterogeneous clinically for meta-analysis. Only one of 12 trials found that glycopeptides reduced SSIs significantly at 30 days compared with non-glycopeptide antibiotics. Of the two trials that reported on MRSA infection, neither found a significant difference between glycopeptide and comparator drugs.

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review did not find any evidence to support the use of glycopeptides in preference to other antibiotics for the prevention of MRSA infections and SSIs. The limitations of the evidence make it difficult to identify a threshold at which a switch from non-glycopeptide to glycopeptide prophylaxis should be recommended. Given the difficulties of addressing this issue through randomized trials, further research should focus on hospital infection control policies, MRSA screening, and the isolation and treatment of anyone infected with MRSA prior to surgery.

Evaluation and comparison of the antimicrobial efficacy of teicoplanin- and clindamycin-coated titanium implants

We studied the effects of coating titanium implants with teicoplanin and clindamycin in 30 New Zealand White rabbits which were randomly assigned to three groups. The intramedullary canal of the left tibia of each rabbit was inoculated with 500 colony forming units of Staphylococcus aureus. Teicoplanin-coated implants were implanted into rabbits in group 1, clindamycin-coated implants into rabbits in group 2, and uncoated implants into those in group 3. All the rabbits were killed one week later. The implants were removed and cultured together with pieces of tibial bone and wound swabs. The rate of colonisation of the organisms in the three groups was compared.

Organisms were cultured from no rabbits in group 1, one in group 2 but from all in group 3. There was no significant difference between groups 1 and 2 (p = 1.000). There were significant differences between groups 1 and 3 and groups 2 and 3 (p < 0.001). Significant protection against bacterial colonisation and infection was found with teicoplanin- and clindamycin-coated implants in this experimental model.

Antibiotic prophylaxis for wound infections in total joint arthroplasty

We reviewed systematically the published evidence on the effectiveness of antibiotic prophylaxis for the reduction of wound infection in patients undergoing total hip and total knee replacement. Publications were identified using the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL databases. We also contacted authors to identify unpublished trials. We included randomised controlled trials which compared any prophylaxis with none, the administration of systemic antibiotics with that of those in cement, cephalosporins with glycopeptides, cephalosporins with penicillin-derivatives, and second-generation with first-generation cephalosporins.

A total of 26 studies (11 343 participants) met the inclusion criteria. Methodological quality was variable. In a meta-analysis of seven studies (3065 participants) antibiotic prophylaxis reduced the absolute risk of wound infection by 8% and the relative risk by 81% compared with no prophylaxis (p < 0.00001). No other comparison showed a significant difference in clinical effect.

Antibiotic prophylaxis should be routine in joint replacement but the choice of agent should be made on the basis of cost and local availability.

Infection and musculoskeletal conditions: Prosthetic-joint-associated infections

In patients with osteoarthritis or arthritis, prosthetic joint replacement is increasingly used to alleviate pain and to improve mobility. The most important risk factors are comorbidity and prior joint replacement (revision surgery). Diagnosis of prosthetic-joint-associated infection is difficult, because the infecting agent may be missed in synovial fluid due to its exclusive presence as a device-associated biofilm. Implant-associated infections are difficult to treat because of their resistance to natural host defence mechanisms and to most antibiotics. In staphylococcal implant-associated infections a rifampin combination should be used, because this drug has an excellent efficacy on surface-adhering microorganisms. Antimicrobial therapy must always be combined with the correct surgical treatment which is chosen according to an algorithm. The use of antibiotics during procedures with potential bacteraemia is controversial because evidence for its need is lacking. In contrast, during sepsis rapid antibiotic therapy is needed to prevent haematogenous seeding on the artificial joint.

Antimicrobial agents in orthopaedic surgery: Prophylaxis and treatment

The pathogenesis of implant-associated infection involves interaction between the microorganisms (biofilm formation), the implant and the host. Despite improvement of perioperative prophylaxis, orthopaedic implants still remain highly susceptible to bacterial or fungal contamination, generally resulting in persistent implant-associated infection. Therefore, perioperative and life-long prevention of infection is important. For perioperative prophylaxis, a first- or second-generation cephalosporin is recommended, which should be administered between 60 and 30 minutes before incision. The duration of prophylaxis should not exceed 1 day. In centres with a low incidence of infection, a single dose is sufficient. Treatment of infections associated with orthopaedic devices usually requires appropriate surgical intervention combined with prolonged antimicrobial therapy. The choice of the antimicrobial regimen depends on the duration and pathogenesis of infection, stability of the implant, antimicrobial susceptibility of the pathogen and condition of the surrounding soft tissue. The role of rifampicin (rifampin), which has excellent activity on adherent staphylococci, in combination with beta-lactams, glycopeptides, fluoroquinolones, minocycline, cotrimoxazole or fusidic acid, in the treatment of staphylococcal infections is outlined. Increasing antimicrobial resistance requires the use of alternative agents, such as quinupristin/dalfopristin, linezolid and daptomycin, but results of clinical trials with these agents are limited. Also reviewed are potential new antimicrobial agents currently undergoing investigation, such as the novel oxazolidinone RWJ-416457, the new glycopeptide dalbavancin, the glycylcycline compound tigecycline, the new carbacephem BP-102 and novel rifamycin derivatives. Vaccination against Staphylococcus aureus with StaphVAX induced specific antibodies potentially preventing bacteraemia; however, there are no studies on efficacy in the prophylaxis of device-associated infections with this vaccine.

Systemic and local antibiotic prophylaxis in the prevention of Staphylococcus epidermidis graft infection

Background

The aim of the study was to investigate the in vivo efficacy of local and systemic antibiotic prophylaxis in the prevention of Staphylococcus (S.) epidermidis graft infection in a rat model and to evaluate the bacterial adherence to frequently used prosthetic graft materials.

Methods

Graft infections were established in the subcutaneous tissue of 120 male Wistar rats by implantation of Dacron/ePTFE grafts followed by topical inoculation with 2 × 10⁷ CFUs of clinical isolate of methicillin-resistant S. epidermidis. Each of the graft series included a control group, one contaminated group that did not receive any antibiotic prophylaxis, two contaminated groups that received systemic prophylaxis with teicoplanin or levofloxacin and two contaminated groups that received teicoplanin-soaked or levofloxacin-soaked grafts. The grafts were removed 7 days after implantation and evaluated by quantitative culture.

Results

There was significant bacterial growth inhibition in the groups given systemic or local prophylaxis (P < 0.05). Methicillin-resistant S. epidermidis had greater affinity to Dacron graft when compared with ePTFE graft in the untreated contaminated groups (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The study demonstrated that the usage of systemic or local prophylaxis and preference of ePTFE graft can be useful in reducing the risk of vascular graft infections caused by staphylococcal strains with high levels of resistance.

Perioperative anti-infective prophylaxis with teicoplanin compared to cephalosporins in orthopaedic and vascular surgery involving prosthetic material

A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials evaluated the effectiveness and safety of teicoplanin compared to first- or second-generation cephalosporins for perioperative anti-infective prophylaxis in orthopaedic and vascular surgery involving prosthetic material. No differences were found between teicoplanin and cephalosporins with respect to the development of infection at the site of surgery or in remote areas of the body. In addition, there were no significant differences in reported adverse effects or mortality. These findings indicate that both regimens are equally effective in preventing post-operative infections in orthopaedic and vascular surgery involving prosthetic materials.

A new model of implant-related osteomyelitis in rats

Infection related to osteosynthesis often has dramatic consequences for the patient. Prolonged hospitalization with systemic antibiotic therapy, several revision procedures, possible amputation, and even death may occur. To investigate the pathology of infection in orthopedic surgery, a new rat model of implant related osteomyelitis was developed. Three different concentrations (10(6), 10(3), and 10(2) colony-forming units (CFU)/10 microl) of Staphylococcus aureus were inoculated into the tibial medullary cavity with simultaneous insertion of a titanium Kirschner wire. Controls received phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). Each group consisted of 10 animals. Animals were followed for 4 weeks until sacrifice. X-rays of the tibiae were taken weekly, blood counts were analyzed, and body temperature and weight were determined. After sacrifice, infection was evaluated by histological and microbiological investigations. All animals inoculated with Staph. aureus in either concentration developed microbiological, histological, and radiological signs of osteomyelitis in correlation to the amount of inoculated bacteria. X-rays clearly revealed osseous destruction after 14 days with progression of osteomyelitis during the following weeks. CFU/g bone and bone weight after sacrifice showed dependence on the amount of inoculated CFU. The histological results confirmed the radiological findings. No significant changes in blood counts, body weight, and body temperature between the groups could be observed. The results demonstrate that it is possible to develop a model of implant-related osteomyelitis in rats with dependence on the amount of inoculated bacteria. No other promoters of infection besides intramedullary insertion of titanium Kirschner wires were used in this model.

Gentamicin coating of metallic implants reduces implant-related osteomyelitis in rats

Antibiotic prophylaxis is a routine procedure in orthopedic surgery. Various local antibiotic delivery techniques are used to reduce bone- and soft tissue-related infection. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a new biodegradable, gentamicin-loaded poly(D,L-lactide) (PDLLA) coating of orthopedic devices in preventing implant-related osteomyelitis. The medullary cavities of tibiae in 30 Sprague Dawley rats were contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus (10(3) colony forming units). Simultaneously titanium Kirschner wires, uncoated (group II), coated with PDLLA (group III), or coated with PDLLA + 10% gentamicin (group IV), were implanted. Ten animals that received phosphate-buffered saline and uncoated Kirschner wires served as controls (group I). Follow-up was 6 weeks. In weekly intervals X-rays of the tibiae were performed, blood counts were taken, and body temperature and weight were determined. After sacrifice infection was evaluated by histological and microbiological analysis. All animals of groups II and III developed microbiological, histological, and radiological signs of infection, including osseous destruction and soft tissue swelling. All animals of the control group remained sterile. Cultures of implants of group IV showed significantly reduced bacterial growth compared to cultures of groups II and III, and three implants of group IV remained sterile. Further radiological and histological signs of infection were significantly reduced in the gentamicin-coated group compared to groups II and III. No significant differences in body weight, body temperature, and blood parameters between all groups were observed. Local application of antibiotic-coated orthopedic devices containing PDLLA and 10% gentamicin significantly reduced implant-related infection in this animal model.

Antibiotic prophylaxis in orthopedic prosthetic surgery

Staphylococci account for approximately 70% of postoperative infections in orthopedic prosthetic surgery, with the leading organism being Staphylococcus epidermidis. Therefore, the antibiotics most widely used for prophylaxis are cefazolin, cefamandole and cefuroxime, by virtue of their excellent activity against these pathogens. However, methicillin-resistant coagulase-positive and -negative staphylococci are increasingly being reported as the causative agents of postoperative infection in clean prosthetic surgery, therefore prompting the use of glycopeptide antibiotics (vancomycin and teicoplanin) in the prophylaxis for total joint replacement, particularly in hospitals in which there is high methicillin-resistance among these pathogens. Furthermore, in total primary knee replacement (TKR) performed with tourniquet application, regional prophylaxis with teicoplanin (i.e. the injection of teicoplanin into a foot vein of the leg to be operated on after occlusion of the systemic circulation by inflating the tourniquet) has been shown to be a safe and valuable prophylactic technique. Apart from providing teicoplanin concentrations in the operative field higher than those achievable by conventional systemic prophylaxis (i.e. by injecting the antibiotic into an arm vein before application of the tourniquet), regional prophylaxis was found in a prospective, controlled, open study on patients undergoing primary monolateral or bilateral TKR to result in a rate of postoperative infection similar to those achievable with conventional prophylactic regimens.

The role of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in orthopaedic implant surgery

The problems presented by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) must be accommodated in both prophylactic and treatment regimens for orthopaedic implant surgery. The rationale of pre-admission nasal swabbing in directing prophylaxis for orthopaedic patients is discussed. The potential advantage of nasal mupirocin for Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA carriers is described. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis is commented upon as another hazard in orthopaedics. Criteria for choosing glycopeptides in the treatment of implant infections are discussed, and need to be defined in orthopaedic units. Treatment regimens are briefly described.

Postoperative infections following total knee replacement: an epidemiological study

From January 1991 to June 1997 217 patients undergoing monolateral or bilateral total knee replacement (TKR) were consecutively enrolled in a prospective study on the incidence of postoperative infections and related risk factors. Regional antimicrobial prophylaxis (teicoplanin 400 mg) was used in 263 (95%) prostheses implanted; in the remaining 14 implants (5%) perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis (teicoplanin 800 mg) was administered as usual by systemic route. None of the patients experienced local or systemic adverse effects. Over the 2-year follow-up period, 8 (2.9%) primary site infectious complications were recorded, i.e. 4 superficial infections, which were cured without involvement of the prostheses, and 4 deep infections, which required prosthesis removal. Six infections occurred in patients who had undergone previous surgery of the same knee joint, and 2 in patients undergoing primary TKR (p= 0.0005); diabetic patients had infections (13%) more frequently than non-diabetic patients (1.9%, p=0.01). Staphylococci were the leading organisms isolated from infections; however 3 strains of Escherichia coli were isolated from patients who had undergone a previous prosthesis implantation at the same knee joint. Regional administration of teicoplanin appears to be a safe and valuable prophylactic technique; however, in patients at risk of infection a prophylactic regimen which is also active against gram-negative bacteria should probably be considered.

Clinical consequences and cost of limiting use of vancomycin for perioperative prophylaxis: example of coronary artery bypass surgery

Routine us of vancomycin for perioperative prophylaxis is discouraged, principally to minimize microbial resistance to it. However, outcomes and costs of this recommendation have not been assessed. We used decision-analytic models to compare clinical results and cost-effectiveness of no prophylaxis, cefazolin, and vancomycin, in coronary artery bypass graft surgery. In the base case, vancomycin resulted in 7% fewer surgical site infections and 1% lower all-cause mortality and saved $117 per procedure, compared with cefazolin. Cefazolin, in turn, resulted in substantially fewer infections and deaths and lower costs than no prophylaxis. We conclude that perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis with vancomycin is usually more effective and less expensive than cefazolin. Data on vancomycin's impact on resistance are needed to quantify the trade-off between individual patients' improved clinical outcomes and lower costs and the future long-term consequences to society.

Regional prophylaxis with teicoplanin in monolateral or bilateral total knee replacement: an open study

From January 1991 to June 1997, patients undergoing primary elective monolateral or bilateral total knee replacement (TKR) were consecutively enrolled in a prospective, open clinical study on the efficacy and safety of regional prophylaxis with teicoplanin (TEC). Those scheduled for monolateral TKR (115 patients) received 400 mg of TEC in 100 ml of saline as a 5-min infusion into a foot vein of the leg to be operated on immediately after the tourniquet was inflated to 400 mm Hg (ca. 50 kPa). For patients undergoing bilateral surgery (45 patients), regional administration of TEC was also repeated for the second knee operation. Follow-up ranged from a minimum of 2 years to 8 years. None of the patients experienced local or systemic adverse effects following regional administration of TEC. In the immediate postoperative and 2-year follow-up periods, only one superficial infection of the primary site attributable to intraoperative contamination (prophylaxis failure) out of the 205 prostheses implanted was observed. Deep infections involving the prosthesis did not occur. Infectious complications at distant sites were observed in nine cases (urinary tract infection due to Escherichia coli in eight cases, and Salmonella enteritidis gastroenteritis in one case) in the immediate postoperative period; they all were rapidly cured after antibiotic treatment. A delayed prosthetic infection, related to hematogenous spread of the etiological agent and therefore not considered a prophylactic failure, was observed in a patient who had undergone TKR 5 years before. Regional administration of TEC in monolateral and bilateral TKR appears to be a safe and valuable prophylactic technique.