Mitigating infections in joint replacements to improve mobility in aging

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is one of the most disastrous complications of total joint arthroplasties (TJA), having social, emotional and mobility-related side-effects. If PJI is contracted, patients must undergo antibiotic therapy and additional surgeries followed by months of severely limited mobility. As the only treatment shown to improve mobility in late-stage osteoarthritis, TJA is common among older adults who are susceptible to infection. Several studies have investigated methods to prevent PJI, including the use of antiseptic irrigation solutions; however, whether these solutions cause unintentional tissue damage that impedes recovery is unclear.

This interdisciplinary study, combining the expertise of orthopedic surgeons, engineers and scientists, will develop novel imaging approaches to investigate the effects of surgical antiseptic solutions on human tissue. These results will be communicated to and guide the orthopedic community on the impacts of irrigation solutions through partners in the Canadian Arthroplasty Society.