To improve the existing knowledge and treatment of bone and joint infections, it is essential to unite medical disciplines and bridge the gap between basic and clinical sciences. In 2018, the Centrum fOr translational Medicine on Bone and joint INfEctions (COMBINE) was created to facilitate collaboration among Danish scientists and researchers dedicated to bone and joint infection research. This paper aims to share the COMBINE approach and values.

This survey study describes the composition of US-based orthopedic infectious diseases (Ortho ID) teams across more than a dozen large academic medical centers, finding many institutions have dedicated Ortho ID clinics or inpatient services. These teams are highly valued by both ID clinicians and surgeons for engendering strong multidisciplinary relationships and improving patient outcomes.

Osseointegration is a highly enabling reconstruction for patients with limb loss. However, infection can occur. There are currently poor diagnostic criteria for infection, and patients may be brought for surgery too much or too little. The study proposes an algorithm based on history, clinical, and laboratory data to predict the chance of culture-positive deep infection.

Tuberculosis is a serious public health problem. A retrospective study of a series of cases of patients with a diagnosis of osteoarticular tuberculosis was carried out from 2014 to 2019. A total of 30 patients were confirmed. The presence of sequelae was correlated with the presence of motor deficit at the beginning of treatment and the high value of C-reactive protein at the end of treatment. These results may contribute to a better understanding of this disease to reduce complications.

A Madura foot caused by the fungus Madurella mycetomatis is a rare condition in non-endemic countries, but should be included in the differential diagnosis in case of soft tissue swellings of the foot in patients who have been in mycetomatis-endemic regions, more specifically in immunocompromised patients, who are at risk of developing a (more severe) mycetoma infection. Adequate treatment is needed to prevent the progression and recurrence of a Madura foot.