Orthopaedic implant infections

Recent advances have defined risk factors for orthopaedic implant infection s that suggest modifications in the clinical care of certain patients. For diagnosis, new work shows the importance of obtaining multiple specimens fo r culture, and the enlarging spectrum of causative organisms. The potential for the polymerase chain reaction is demonstrated. In treatment, the value of rifampicin is shown in controlled and open trials. (C) 1999 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.