One-stage revision of shoulder arthroplasty in the case of infection

Aim: Infection of shoulder arthroplasties is rare, but represents a potentially devastating complication. The aim of this work is to show the value of various diagnostic procedures, specify causative pathogens and present the results of one-stage revised patients. Method: We performed a retrospective analysis of our 16 consecutive patients with an infected shoulder arthroplasty. Results: In 13 of 16 cases a causative pathogen could be established preoperatively. Staphylococcus and Propioni spp. dominated. Only 9 patients could be followed up because two died, two were lost and three patients were revised because of non-infectious complications. The follow-up time was 5.8 years (13 months - 13.25 years). The Constant-Murley score was 33.6 of 100. Eradication of infection was achieved in all patients. In the follow-up time no reinfection has occurred. Conclusion: Culturing of the preoperative joint fluid aspirate and the determination of CRP provide an early diagnosing of shoulder arthroplasty infection. One-stage revision arthroplasty with radical debridement and application of antibiotics to the bone cement provide an accurate therapy of periprosthetic shoulder infection.