The Infected Prosthetic Knee

Prosthetic knee infections pose a significant challenge for orthopedic surgeons, impacting both patient outcomes and healthcare costs. This chapter provides an overview of the current literature regarding their diagnosis and treatment. This chapter introduces the incidence of prosthetic knee infections, then describes the microbiology and pathogenesis of the condition. It delves into the historical classifications of infections, including both chronic and acute subdivisions The chapter discusses the elucidation of the diagnosis, including laboratory testing, radiologic imaging, along with intraoperative testing modalities. Through the use of patient case study presentations utilizing evidence-based practices, this chapter aims to guide practitioners with effective algorithms for diagnosis and management of prosthetic knee infections.