Articles | Volume 11, issue 5
https://doi.org/10.5194/jbji-11-635-2026
© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/jbji-11-635-2026
© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Original full-length article
| 
14 Oct 2026
Original full-length article |
| 14 Oct 2026
| 14 Oct 2026
The co-occurrence of peri-prosthetic fracture and infection: a scoping review on current diagnostic principles, treatment and outcome
Noémie Reinert
Center for Musculoskeletal Infections, University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
Department of Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
Laura Bessems
Department of Trauma Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
Martin Clauss
Center for Musculoskeletal Infections, University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
Department of Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
Nader Maai
Center for Musculoskeletal Infections, University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
Department of Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
Jolien Onsea
Department of Trauma Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
Georges Vles
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
Karl Stoffel
Department of Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
Willem-Jan Metsemakers
Department of Trauma Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
Mario Morgenstern
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
Center for Musculoskeletal Infections, University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
Department of Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Noémie Reinert, Katinka Wetzel, Fabian Franzeck, Mario Morgenstern, Markus Aschwanden, Thomas Wolff, Martin Clauss, and Parham Sendi
J. Bone Joint Infect., 9, 183–190, https://doi.org/10.5194/jbji-9-183-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/jbji-9-183-2024, 2024
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We assessed concordance of in-house guidelines for diagnostic principles and antibiotic treatment duration (ABT) 2 years after their implementation. The goal was to standardize diagnostic and treatment principles: are we doing what we recommend? The adherence to recommendations in terms of biopsy sampling was good, moderate for histopathology and poor for anatomic labeling. In terms of ABT duration, the adherence was good, but further shortening for surgically cured cases is necessary.
Georges F. Vles, Willem-Jan Metsemakers, Laurens Aerden, Jan Geurts, Oliver Borens, and Stijn Ghijselings
J. Bone Joint Infect., 11, 547–554, https://doi.org/10.5194/jbji-11-547-2026, https://doi.org/10.5194/jbji-11-547-2026, 2026
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We studied three patients who had both a broken femur and a long-standing infection around an artificial hip, a rare and difficult problem. We treated them in two steps: first removing the implant, cleaning the infection, stabilizing the bone, and placing a temporary bone cement spacer; and then reimplanting the hip prosthesis once infection was controlled. In all cases, the infection cleared, the bone healed, and function improved. This approach may offer a safe way to manage these complex cases.
Laura Bessems, Jolien Onsea, Marjan Wouthuyzen-Bakker, Irene K. Sigmund, Tristan Ferry, Richard Kuehl, Martin Clauss, Alex Soriano, Ricardo Sousa, Annette Schuermans, and Willem-Jan Metsemakers
J. Bone Joint Infect., 11, 489–492, https://doi.org/10.5194/jbji-11-489-2026, https://doi.org/10.5194/jbji-11-489-2026, 2026
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We examined whether patients with musculoskeletal infections need to be separated in hospital. A review of published studies found no support for routine isolation or dedicated wards for infections without multidrug-resistant organisms when standard precautions are applied. An international survey showed wide variation in clinician attitudes. These findings highlight a gap between evidence and perception and support a more risk-based approach.
Loïc Fonkoué, Elizabeth K. Tissingh, Leonard C. Marais, Mbonisi Malaba, Kidanemariam Abrha, Jamie Ferguson, Mario Morgenstern, Olivier Cornu, Maritz Laubscher, Randy Buzisa Mbuku, George W. Galiwango, Matthijs Botman, Justyna Wojno, Mtebe Venance Majigo, Claude Martin Jr., William James Harrison, Alexander Thomas Schade, Kebba Marenah, Malvern Nyamutora, Phiona E. Namale, Vuyisa Mdingi, and Martin McNally
J. Bone Joint Infect., 11, 401–411, https://doi.org/10.5194/jbji-11-401-2026, https://doi.org/10.5194/jbji-11-401-2026, 2026
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Fracture-related infection is a serious problem after broken bones, especially in low-resource settings where specialist care and services are limited. An international expert group developed practical recommendations adapted to these realities. The guidance focuses on early fracture care, simple diagnostic approaches, flexible antibiotic use, affordable local treatments, good soft tissue management, and teamwork, aiming to improve safe and effective care in resource-limited environments.
Sander Bruyninckx, Stijn Ghijselings, Melissa Depypere, Alex Soriano, Willem-Jan Metsemakers, and Georges Vles
J. Bone Joint Infect., 11, 207–217, https://doi.org/10.5194/jbji-11-207-2026, https://doi.org/10.5194/jbji-11-207-2026, 2026
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When infection around an artificial hip or knee is suspected, joint fluid sampling is essential but often unsuccessful. We performed a systematic review to evaluate whether rinsing the joint with sterile salt water after an unsuccessful attempt improves diagnosis. Our findings show that this approach is safe, yields testable fluid in nearly all cases, and identifies infection in about one in five patients that would otherwise be missed.
Willem-Jan Metsemakers, Austin T. Fragomen, Mario Morgenstern, Steffen B. Rosslenbroich, Stephen M. Quinnan, Pablo S. Corona, Mitchell Bernstein, and Kevin Tetsworth
J. Bone Joint Infect., 11, 191–206, https://doi.org/10.5194/jbji-11-191-2026, https://doi.org/10.5194/jbji-11-191-2026, 2026
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Segmental bone loss remains a major challenge, often worsened by fracture-related infection (FRI). Surgical debridement and tissue cultures are key initial steps. Bone transport, utilizing distraction osteogenesis, remains a key therapeutic strategy. Innovations like integrated fixation and motorized nails reduce patient morbidity. Management relies on a multidisciplinary approach. This review explores current and emerging concepts in the field of bone transport, focusing on FRI.
Melissa Depypere, Jonathan Sliepen, Jolien Onsea, Yves Debaveye, T. Fintan Moriarty, Elena Della Bella, Emmanuel André, Johan Van Weyenbergh, and Willem-Jan Metsemakers
J. Bone Joint Infect., 11, 161–173, https://doi.org/10.5194/jbji-11-161-2026, https://doi.org/10.5194/jbji-11-161-2026, 2026
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The aim of this proof-of-concept study was to investigate host immune gene expression through transcriptome profiling in patients with fracture-related infection and to explore the feasibility of detecting 16S rRNA and biofilm-associated genes, an approach not previously applied using this method. This technique revealed distinct immune activation patterns in fracture-related infection (FRI) and enabled the identification of pathogens that were missed by conventional culture techniques.
Christian Merz, Jan Klaas, Rik Osinga, Parham Sendi, Richard Alexander Kuehl, Mario Morgenstern, and Martin Clauss
J. Bone Joint Infect., 11, 113–121, https://doi.org/10.5194/jbji-11-113-2026, https://doi.org/10.5194/jbji-11-113-2026, 2026
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Founded in 2019, the Center for Musculoskeletal Infections at University Hospital Basel was established to implement standardized, multidisciplinary care for orthopaedic and trauma-related infections. This retrospective analysis of hip and knee periprosthetic joint infections (2019–2022) illustrates the feasibility and effectiveness of this structured approach, with infection control achieved in the majority of patients despite case complexity.
Niels Vanvelk, Esther M. M. Van Lieshout, Leendert H. T. Nugteren, A. Cornelis Plaisier, Rosalya Van der Pot, Corine Bethlehem, Willem-Jan Metsemakers, William T. Obremskey, and Michael H. J. Verhofstad
J. Bone Joint Infect., 11, 95–103, https://doi.org/10.5194/jbji-11-95-2026, https://doi.org/10.5194/jbji-11-95-2026, 2026
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Although local antibiotic administration is used to prevent and treat fracture-related infections, concerns remain about systemic absorption and potential renal toxicity. This study assessed serum levels and renal function after local gentamicin or vancomycin use. Gentamicin exceeded the lower limit of quantification in 17% of cases but remained below toxic levels. Vancomycin was undetectable. These findings suggest that local antibiotic administration does not harm renal function.
Laura Bessems, Jolien Onsea, Baixing Chen, Marjan Wouthuyzen-Bakker, Irene K. Sigmund, Tristan Ferry, Richard Kuehl, Martin Clauss, Alex Soriano, Ricardo Sousa, Annette Schuermans, and Willem-Jan Metsemakers
J. Bone Joint Infect., 10, 489–500, https://doi.org/10.5194/jbji-10-489-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/jbji-10-489-2025, 2025
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Isolation of patients with musculoskeletal infections in orthopedic care is controversial. Evidence supports selective isolation for certain resistant pathogens but not for non-resistant pathogens, nor does it support the routine use of septic wards. Effective infection control depends on hospital-wide strategies and adherence to standard precautions, with specialized centres offering better care than dedicated isolation units.
Jonathan Sliepen, Michelle A. S. Buijs, Jolien Onsea, Geertje A. M. Govaert, Frank F. A. IJpma, Jean-Paul P. M. de Vries, Bart C. H. Van der Wal, Charalampos Zalavras, and Willem-Jan Metsemakers
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This review assessed the effectiveness of single- and two-stage procedures for treating long-bone fracture-related infections, focusing on unhealed fractures without critical-sized bone defects. A total of 35 studies with 985 patients showed bone-healing rates of 80% for single-stage procedures and 77% for two-stage procedures. Infection eradication rates were 87% for single-stage approaches and 81% for two-stage approaches. The current evidence is inconclusive and lacks sufficient data to favor either approach.
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J. Bone Joint Infect., 10, 317–326, https://doi.org/10.5194/jbji-10-317-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/jbji-10-317-2025, 2025
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Fracture-related infections (FRIs) and periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) fail to recover pathogens, posing a diagnostic challenge and impacting treatment. This new method involves homogenising biopsies with beads to release bacteria, followed by inoculation in blood culture bottles using an automated system. This technique shows similar sensitivity to conventional methods, with improved specificity and faster pathogen detection. To date, no other studies have reported an optimized method for incubating biopsies from patients with FRIs.
Marta Sabater-Martos, Martin Clauss, Ana Ribau, Ricardo Sousa, and on behalf of the Leukocyte Count Synovial Fluid working group for the Unified PJI definition task force
J. Bone Joint Infect., 10, 165–184, https://doi.org/10.5194/jbji-10-165-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/jbji-10-165-2025, 2025
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This meta-analysis evaluates synovial fluid white blood cell count and polymorphonuclear neutrophil proportion in order to diagnose chronic peri-prosthetic joint infection. Based on 74 studies, it identifies optimal thresholds, with rule-in and rule-out thresholds enhancing diagnostic precision. Confounding factors such as fractures and inflammatory arthritis are addressed. The findings support standardized diagnostic frameworks in improving accuracy and clinical consistency.
Irene K. Sigmund, Tristan Ferry, Ricardo Sousa, Alex Soriano, Willem-Jan Metsemakers, Martin Clauss, Rihard Trebse, and Marjan Wouthuyzen-Bakker
J. Bone Joint Infect., 10, 101–138, https://doi.org/10.5194/jbji-10-101-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/jbji-10-101-2025, 2025
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In this paper, we discuss the most relevant factors influencing the outcome and define indications, contraindications, and risk factors of a DAIR procedure based on the currently available literature. Furthermore, we discuss the surgical technique in combination with systemic antimicrobial therapy in patients undergoing a DAIR procedure.
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J. Bone Joint Infect., 10, 139–142, https://doi.org/10.5194/jbji-10-139-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/jbji-10-139-2025, 2025
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This is a summary of our position paper on debridement, antimicrobial therapy, and implant retention (DAIR) procedures as a curative treatment strategy for acute periprosthetic hip and knee infections. It includes the defined indications as well as the contraindications of DAIR procedures when eradication/cure is intended, based on the currently available literature.
Baixing Chen, T. Fintan Moriarty, Hans Steenackers, Georges F. Vles, Jolien Onsea, Thijs Vackier, Isabel Spriet, Rob Lavigne, R. Geoff Richards, and Willem-Jan Metsemakers
J. Bone Joint Infect., 9, 249–260, https://doi.org/10.5194/jbji-9-249-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/jbji-9-249-2024, 2024
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Our research explores natural antimicrobials to combat orthopedic-device-related infections, a challenging issue due to antibiotic resistance. We reviewed agents from bacteria, fungi, viruses, animals, plants and minerals, evaluating their effectiveness and synergy with traditional antibiotics. Our findings suggest these natural alternatives could revolutionize infection management in orthopedic patients, offering new hope for reducing antibiotic resistance and improving treatment outcomes.
Alexandra Wallimann, Yvonne Achermann, Ciara Ferris, Mario Morgenstern, Martin Clauss, Vincent Stadelmann, Hannes Andreas Rüdiger, Liam O'Mahony, and Thomas Fintan Moriarty
J. Bone Joint Infect., 9, 191–196, https://doi.org/10.5194/jbji-9-191-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/jbji-9-191-2024, 2024
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Skin commensal bacteria such as staphylococci are often the source of orthopaedic-device-related infections. Rifampicin is a widely used antibiotic in the treatment of these infections. The results of this study show that oral rifampicin therapy leads to a consistent and persistent induction of resistance in commensal staphylococci on the skin and in the nose for a prolonged time.
Noémie Reinert, Katinka Wetzel, Fabian Franzeck, Mario Morgenstern, Markus Aschwanden, Thomas Wolff, Martin Clauss, and Parham Sendi
J. Bone Joint Infect., 9, 183–190, https://doi.org/10.5194/jbji-9-183-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/jbji-9-183-2024, 2024
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We assessed concordance of in-house guidelines for diagnostic principles and antibiotic treatment duration (ABT) 2 years after their implementation. The goal was to standardize diagnostic and treatment principles: are we doing what we recommend? The adherence to recommendations in terms of biopsy sampling was good, moderate for histopathology and poor for anatomic labeling. In terms of ABT duration, the adherence was good, but further shortening for surgically cured cases is necessary.
Fred Ruythooren, Stijn Ghijselings, Melissa Depypere, Willem-Jan Metsemakers, Liesbet Henckaerts, Nathalie Noppe, and Georges Vles
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The article examines a unique case of Ureaplasma urealyticum causing osteomyelitis in the greater trochanter of a 26-year-old male treated with ocrelizumab for multiple sclerosis. It emphasizes the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach and advanced PCR diagnostics to manage such rare opportunistic infections effectively, highlighting the challenges faced due to the immunosuppressive nature of monoclonal antibody therapies of this kind.
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J. Bone Joint Infect., 9, 87–97, https://doi.org/10.5194/jbji-9-87-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/jbji-9-87-2024, 2024
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This study conducted in multiple sites across Europe aimed to evaluate the BIOFIRE Joint Infection (JI) Panel, a new technology that uses multiplex PCR to detect microorganisms in synovial fluid of patients with suspicion of joint infections in 1 h, in comparison with synovial fluid culture. Results showed an overall agreement of 85 % to 88.4 % between the two methods. The JI Panel detected additional organisms, and the positive user experience highlights its clinical significance.
Jordi Cools, Stijn Ghijselings, Fred Ruythooren, Sander Jentjens, Nathalie Noppe, Willem-Jan Metsemakers, and Georges Vles
J. Bone Joint Infect., 9, 27–35, https://doi.org/10.5194/jbji-9-27-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/jbji-9-27-2024, 2024
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Septic arthritis (SA) of the native adult hip is a rare orthopaedic emergency. To date, the role of advanced imaging has been confined to supporting or opposing diagnosis; however, implications for surgical decision-making and outcomes have not yet been established. We found that extra-articular abscesses are present in two out of three patients and require varying anatomical approaches. Therefore, we recommend routinely performing advanced imaging in all adults with SA of the native hip joint.
Fred Ruythooren, Stijn Ghijselings, Jordi Cools, Melissa Depypere, Paul De Munter, Willem-Jan Metsemakers, and Georges Vles
J. Bone Joint Infect., 8, 209–218, https://doi.org/10.5194/jbji-8-209-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/jbji-8-209-2023, 2023
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A total of 41 patients who underwent surgical treatment for septic arthritis (SA) of the native hip were studied. We show that patients with SA of the native hip can be divided in three distinct clinical subgroups based on route of infection. Route of infection is directly related to the chance of femoral head preservation and should, therefore, be the basis for decision-making. Only patients with blood-borne infections in an undamaged hip had a reasonable chance of femoral head preservation.
Niels Vanvelk, Esther M. M. Van Lieshout, Jolien Onsea, Jonathan Sliepen, Geertje Govaert, Frank F. A. IJpma, Melissa Depypere, Jamie Ferguson, Martin McNally, William T. Obremskey, Charalampos Zalavras, Michael H. J. Verhofstad, and Willem-Jan Metsemakers
J. Bone Joint Infect., 8, 133–142, https://doi.org/10.5194/jbji-8-133-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/jbji-8-133-2023, 2023
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This international retrospective cohort study displays the diagnostic characteristics of 609 patients who were treated for fracture-related infection (FRI). Clinical confirmatory criteria were present in 77% of patients. In the remaining patients, the decision to operatively collect deep tissue cultures had to be based on a set of suggestive criteria. The combined use of these suggestive criteria should guide treating physicians in the management pathway of FRI.
Simon Martin Heinrich, Parham Sendi, and Martin Clauss
J. Bone Joint Infect., 6, 423–424, https://doi.org/10.5194/jbji-6-423-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/jbji-6-423-2021, 2021
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We report on an 83-year-old woman who had an open removal of a baker's cyst several months after total knee arthroplasty. The following wound healing problem was first misinterpreted as being superficial. With an injection of methylene blue and a contrast medium, we showed the extent of the sinus tract, proving the periprosthetic joint infection.
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Short summary
Infected periprosthetic fractures are severe complications in orthopedic surgery with difficult management and high failure rates. This review of 32 studies (273 patients) found limited diagnostic reliability, frequent use of staged revision surgery, and high rates of recurrent infection (21 %) and revision surgeries. Current evidence is sparse and inconsistent, highlighting the need for standardized diagnostics and larger-prospective studies.
Infected periprosthetic fractures are severe complications in orthopedic surgery with difficult...
