Wound Management in Total Knee Prosthetic Joint Infections

Total knee arthroplasty complicated by periprosthetic joint infection can be devastating. Patients undergoing treatment for prosthetic joint infection have often undergone multiple surgeries and may have associated soft tissue defects that complicate treatment. These defects often require soft tissue reconstruction in order to cover the prosthesis. Coverage options range from simple tissue rearrangement to free flap reconstruction. A team approach between orthopaedic and plastic surgery is imperative to help retain the prosthesis and improve functional outcomes. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 30(4):196–201, 2021)

Key words: prosthetic joint infection (PJI), soft tissue defects, flap reconstruction