The Fate of Acute MRSA Periprosthetic Infections Treated by Open Debridement and Retention of Components

The treatment of acute periprosthetic infection remains controversial. The success rate of open irrigation and debridement with component retention varies widely. Factors that influence the success of this procedure include duration of symptoms, health of the host, and virility of the infecting organism. Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has emerged as an increasingly common pathogen in periprosthetic infections. 47% of all staph isolates are now methicillin resistant. There is, however, little evidence available to guide treatment in acute MRSA periprosthetic infection. The purpose of this study was to determine the outcome of patients treated with open irrigation, debridement and component retention for acute periprosthetic MRSA infections.