In this article we discuss how gut microbiota can affect the outcomes of a total joint arthroplasty. Total joint arthroplasty is a safe procedure for improving the quality of life in patients affected by arthrosis. Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is relatively rare but represents one of the most common causes of implant failure requiring revision surgery. Recently, there has been a major interest in the role of gut microbiome, in particular dysbiosis, as a risk factor for PJI.

This study validated three models for predicting infection after hip and knee replacement surgery. By analyzing data from 2684 patients in the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain, we found that the models developed by Tan, Del Toro, and Bülow effectively identified high-risk patients. These models can be used to enhance preoperative counseling and to tailor infection prevention measures individually, potentially improving outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.

This work investigates periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) caused by rapidly growing mycobacteria (RGM) following total joint arthroplasty. Eight patients were identified as part of a retrospective review. The isolated RGM species included Mycobacterium abscessus  (three cases), M. fortuitum (three cases), and one case each of M. immunogenum and M. mageritense. We provide novel insights into the successful treatment of PJIs caused by newly identified RGM (M. immunogenum and M. mageritense).

This retrospective case-matched study evaluated males and females with staphylococcal PJI (periprosthetic joint infection) treated with two-stage exchange arthroplasty. We matched 156 males and females for age, type of staphylococcal infection, and joint involved. We compared clinical parameters related to presentation, treatment, and outcome. We did not find a statistically significant difference in outcome between males and females treated with the same surgical approach at our institution.

Culture-negative (CN) prosthetic joint infections (PJIs) present significant challenges for clinicians. While previous retrospective analyses have been conducted, inconsistencies in inclusion criteria and treatment success measures limit the opportunity for direct comparisons and use in guiding clinical practice. We compared baseline characteristics and outcomes of CN with culture-positive (CP) cases in a large multicentre prospective cohort and demonstrated improved overall outcomes in CN PJI.