A. Spinarelli¹, B. Moretti¹, M. Suma¹, M.G. Tesse¹, A. Casto¹, A. Grosso¹, M. Maruccia², R.Elia², G. Solarino¹

¹Department of Neuroscience, Orthopaedics Section, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Bari, AOU Consorziale Policlinico, Bari, Italy
²Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, Plastic Surgery Section, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Bari, AOU Consorziale Policlinico, Bari, Italy

Correspondence to:
Antonio Spinarelli, MD
Department of Neuroscience, Orthopaedics Section,
Faculty of Medicine and Surgery,
University of Bari,
AOU Consorziale Policlinico,
70124, Bari, Italy
e-mail: antoniospinarelli@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

 Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is one of the major complications resulting from prosthesis implantation. Staphylococci are responsible for more than 50% of PJI, 20% are polymicrobial, 15% are caused by gram-negative, and about 10% of cultures are negative. The complete eradication of PJI is challenging. For a correct treatment, it is helpful to perform clinical staging based on the anatomical location of PJI and the immune characteristics of the host. However, regardless of the area of infection, the surgeon’s role is crucial, firstly in terms of timing and secondly in assessing the extension of the pathological process. The goal of the treatment is to eradicate PJI ensuring the maximum functional result. The reported case describes an extensive necrotic area on the right knee, with exposure to the prosthetic device, the treatment, and the available bibliography is discussed.

KEYWORDS: joint, knee, infection, prosthesis, leg, bacteria