ABSTRACT
T he treatm ent of orthopaedic infections is a formidable challenge. Poor vascularity and the presence of detritus and necrotic tissue can reduce the access and effectiveness of systemic antibiotics. The sce nario becomes even more complex when orthopaedic implants are involved because organisms can proliferate on inanimate, foreign materials. This chapter describes the microorganisms involved with infections of orthopaedic implants, the attachment and colonization on biomaterials, as well as standard and alternative means for prevent ing and treating infection. Furthermore, the regulatory issues and requirements for some of the alternative approaches for preventing and treating infection are addressed.
