When does implant salvage make sense?
Abteilung für Unfall- und Wiederherstellungschirurgie, Berufsgenossenschaftliche Unfallklinik Murnau, Prof.-Küntscher-Strasse 8, 82418, Murnau. Thomas.Kern@bgu-murnau.de Infection of a total knee arthroplasty can be classified as acute, chronic and haematogenic with and without implant loosening. A differentiated treatment concept for all types of infection is necessary. Furthermore, specific treatment has to be initiated early, as any delay is associated with a worsening of the prognosis. Treatment of infection with implant salvage may be one therapeutic option if the implant is not loose. According to the current literature, therapy with retention of the prosthesis may be promising: (1) in the case of early infection (<3 weeks of ongoing symptoms), (2) with unconstrained implants, (3) in the case of infection with a single organism that is susceptible to antibiotic therapy, (4) if soft tissue coverage is not affected, and (5) if the immune system is not compromised. Chronic infection
