ABSTRACT
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Prosthetic devices have become a cornerstone in many orthopedic surgeries. Their use has dramatically impacted patients’ quality of life, providing symptom relief,
restoration of a limb or a joint function, improved mobility and independence. Orthopedic device infections, although uncommon, remains one of the most devastating complications, and may lead to significant morbidity. This event often implies the need for subsequent surgeries, a prolonged course of antimicrobial therapy, functional limitation, amputation in some instances, and occasionally death. It constitutes a heavy burden not only to the patient, but also to the health care system in the United States. Incidence rates range from 0.5% to more than 10%, and vary with the type of procedure and the availability of dedicated orthopedic services (1). Management of these infections increase costs of surgery several fold compared to the uncomplicated procedure (2).
