Consensus document on prosthetic joint infections

Since the start of the modern era of prosthetic surgery, prosthetic joint infections (PJIs) have been a predominant and most feared complication. Reduction of PJI has been described as a success story, with the infection rate declining from 10% at the beginning of the 1970s to around 1% a couple of decades later (Lidgren 2001, SHPR 2011, SKAR 2013).

Concerns are, however, being raised because the Scandinavian arthroplasty registers are now reporting an increase in revision rates due to infection (Dale et al. 2012, SHPR 2011, SKAR 2013). This has caused the Swedish Orthopaedic Society, in association with the patient insurance organization LÖF, to take action in a national program covering all clinics with the aim of cutting down PJI by half (http://www.patientforsakring.se/PRISS.html). Prior to a one-day visit by a well-prepared interdisciplinary team, a unit would answer standard questions about its routines regarding important aspects of prophylactic measures. A report on courses of action to be taken had to be delivered by each unit within 6 months—based on critical comments from the visiting group. The effects of the project are now being evaluated.