Total knee arthroplasty results have markedly improved during the last decades due to diffusion of accurate surgical techniques and development of high-technology implant materials. However, complications still develop, infection being that of most difficult resolution. Risk factors for infection, classification of infections, clinical and surgical conditions, as well as diagnostic methods are discussed in the present article. Therapeutic options include suppression by antibiotic therapy, maintenance of the prosthesis, immediate or two-step replacement of prosthetic, and salvage procedures. In addition, the authors describe the treatment protocol used by the Arthroplasty Group in the Institute of Orthopedics and Traumatology (I.O.T.) of the Clinics Hospital of the Medical School of the São Paulo University.
Arthroplasty; Replacement; Knee; Infection; Risk Factors
