Fungal Prosthetic Joint Infection in Revised Knee Arthroplasty: An Orthopaedic Surgeon’s Nightmare

Fungal Prosthetic Joint Infection: A Case Series and Review of the Literature

INTRODUCTION

Fungal prosthetic joint infections comprise less than 1% of prosthetic joint infections. Thus, little is known regarding optimal management. This study aims to characterize the microbiology, surgical and medical management, and outcomes for these complex infections. The objectives of this study were to assess the impact of surgical approach, antifungal treatment, fungal species, and time to onset of infection from initial surgery on patient outcomes.

METHODS

A retrospective record review over 12 years was performed in two health systems that included patients with a deep culture positive for a fungal isolate and the presence of a prosthetic joint. A literature review was performed using the same inclusion criteria. A total of 289 cases were identified and analyzed.

RESULTS

Candida was the most common isolate, and a two-stage revision was the most commonly employed surgical modality. The type of surgical intervention had a statistically significant relationship with outcome (P = 0.022).

CONCLUSIONS

Two-stage revision with extended antifungal therapy is preferred in these infections due to higher rates of positive outcomes.

Voriconazole Admixed with PMMA-Impact on Mechanical Properties and Efficacy

BACKGROUND

There are currently no recommendations to direct the optimal diagnosis and treatment of fungal osteoarticular infections, including prosthetic joint infections and osteomyelitis. Active agents (fluconazole; amphotericin B) are regularly applied per os or intravenously. Other drugs such as voriconazole are used less frequently, especially locally. Voriconazole is less toxic and has promising results. Local antifungal medication during primary surgical treatment has been investigated by implanting an impregnated PMMA cement spacer using intra-articular powder or by daily intra-articular lavage. The admixed dosages are rarely based on characteristic values and microbiological and mechanical data. The purpose of this in vitro study is to investigate the mechanical stability and efficacy of antifungal-admixed PMMA with admixed voriconazole at low and high concentrations.

METHODS

Mechanical properties (ISO 5833 and DIN 53435) as well as efficacy with inhibition zone tests with two Candida spp. were investigated. We tested three separate cement bodies at each measuring time (n = 3) Results: Mixing high dosages of voriconazole causes white specks on inhomogeneous cement surfaces. ISO compression, ISO bending, and DIN impact were significantly reduced, and ISO bending modulus increased. There was a high efficacy against C. albicans with low and high voriconazole concentrations. Against C. glabrata, a high concentration of voriconazole was significantly more efficient than a dose at a low concentration.

CONCLUSIONS

Mixing voriconazole powder with PMMA (Polymethylmethacrylate) powder homogeneously is not easy because of the high amount of dry voriconazole in the powder formulation. Adding voriconazole (a powder for infusion solutions) has a high impact on its mechanical properties. Efficacy is already good at low concentrations.

Prosthetic Knee Joint Infection Due to Candida lusitaniae: A Diagnostic and Therapeutic Odyssey: A Case Study

Prosthetic joint infections (PJIs) caused by fungi, although relatively rare, represent a major surgery-related complication. An extremely rare fungal PJI, following revised total knee replacement (TKR) caused by Candida lusitaniae, is reported, and a meticulous review of similar cases is provided. A 74-year-old female, who underwent primary total knee arthroplasty 10 years ago and a revision surgery three weeks ago, presented with signs and symptoms of PJI. C. lusitaniae was eventually isolated from the periprosthetic tissue using the MALDI-TOF VitekMS–bioMérieux technique. Multiple strategies for managing this fungal PJI were performed, and finally, the patient was treated successfully with an intramedullary arthrodesis system and proper antifungal treatment, including fluconazole. A multidisciplinary approach is essential for the diagnosis and treatment of such severe infections. In persistent cases and in cases where revision surgery is extremely difficult to perform, arthrodesis seems to be an effective solution for the elimination of the infection. The efficacy of the therapeutic management of fungal PJIs remains unclear. Therefore, more research should be reported, focusing on proper treatment so that the optimal strategy in treating these severe infections may be established.