Prosthetic joint infections: single versus combination therapy

J Antimicrob Chemother. 2010 Jan;65(1):18-23. doi: 10.1093/jac/dkp398.

Abstract

Prosthetic joint replacement is increasingly used to alleviate pain and increase mobility. Bone and joint infections remain a therapeutic dilemma for healthcare providers in all fields. Antimicrobial agents combined with appropriate surgical techniques play a vital role in eradicating infections associated with prosthetic joints. The question still remains whether monotherapy or combination therapy is effective in this situation because there is a paucity of well-defined comparative studies. We reviewed in vitro and in vivo studies evaluating the effectiveness of various antimicrobial agents either as single agents or in combination.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacokinetics
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Drug Interactions
  • Drug Therapy, Combination / methods
  • Humans
  • Joint Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Joint Diseases / surgery
  • Prosthesis-Related Infections / drug therapy*
  • Prosthesis-Related Infections / surgery

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents