Review Article

Medical innovations to maintain the function in patients with chronic PJI for whom explantation is not desirable: a pathophysiology-, multidisciplinary-, and experience-based approach

¹ Service des Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Hôpital de la Croix-Rousse, 93 Grande Rue de la Croix-Rousse, 69004 Lyon, France
² Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
³ Centre Interrégional de Référence Pour la Prise en Charge des Infections Ostéo-Articulaires Complexes (CRIOAc Lyon), Hôpital de la Croix-Rousse, 93 Grande Rue de la Croix-Rousse, 69004 Lyon, France
⁴ CIRI – Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Inserm, U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Univ. Lyon, 69007 Lyon, France
⁵ Service de Chirurgie Orthopédique, Hôpital de la Croix-Rousse, 93 Grande Rue de la Croix-Rousse, 69004 Lyon, France
⁶ Service de Chirurgie Plastique et Reconstructrice, Hôpital de la Croix-Rousse, 93 Grande Rue de la Croix-Rousse, 69004 Lyon, France
⁷ Institut des Agents Infectieux, Laboratoire de Bactériologie, Centre National de Référence des Staphylocoques, Hôpital de la Croix-Rousse, 93 Grande Rue de la Croix-Rousse, 69004 Lyon, France
⁸ Service de Pharmacie, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Groupement Hospitalier Nord, Hôpital Pierre Garraud, 136 Rue du Commandant Charcot, 69005 Lyon, France
⁹ UMR CNRS 5558, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive, Villeurbanne, France

^* Corresponding author: tristan.ferry@univ-lyon1.fr

Received: 19 May 2020
Accepted: 27 May 2020

Abstract

Introduction: PJI is the most dramatic complication after joint arthroplasty. In patients with chronic infection, prosthesis exchange is in theory the rule. However, this surgical approach is sometimes not desirable especially in elderly patients with multiple comorbidities, as it could be associated with a dramatic loss of function, reduction of the bone stock, fracture, or peroperative death. We propose here to report different approaches that can help to maintain the function in such patients based on a pathophysiology-, multidisciplinary-, and an experience-based approach. Methods: We describe the different points that are needed to treat such patients: (i) the multidisciplinary care management; (ii) understanding the mechanism of bacterial persistence; (iii) optimization of the conservative surgical approach; (iv) use of suppressive antimicrobial therapy (SAT); (v) implementation of innovative agents that could be used locally to target the biofilm. Results: In France, a nation-wide network called CRIOAc has been created and funded by the French Health ministry to manage complex bone and joint infection. Based on the understanding of the complex pathophysiology of PJI, it seems to be feasible to propose conservative surgical treatment such as “debridement antibiotics and implant retention” (with or without soft-tissue coverage) followed by SAT to control the disease progression. Finally, there is a rational for the use of particular agents that have the ability to target the bacteria embedded in biofilm such as bacteriophages and phage lysins. Discussion: This multistep approach is probably a key determinant to propose innovative management in patients with complex PJI, to improve the outcome. Conclusion: Conservative treatment has a high potential in patients with chronic PJI for whom explantation is not desirable. The next step will be to evaluate such practices in nation-wide clinical trials.