This narrative review by Campoccia et al. (2013) surveys the clinical landscape of biomaterial-associated infections across the full spectrum of medical devices — from wound dressings and urinary catheters to orthopaedic prostheses and cardiac implants — to define what anti-infective biomaterials must accomplish in each setting and why a one-size-fits-all strategy cannot work.
When managing a patient with an orthopaedic implant who develops S. Aureus bacteraemia, recognize that the prosthesis itself carries a 34% risk of becoming seeded — prompt infectious disease consultation and low threshold for joint aspiration are warranted.
When an external fixator develops pin site problems, know that the infection rate varies enormously by site (femoral shaft up to 50%), and that established biofilm on the implant surface renders systemic antibiotics alone insufficient for eradication.
This narrative review by Campoccia et al. (2013) surveys the clinical landscape of biomaterial-associated infections across the full spectrum of medical devices — from wound dressings and urinary catheters to orthopaedic prostheses and cardiac implants — to define what anti-infective biomaterials must accomplish in each setting and why a one-size-fits-all strategy cannot work.
When managing a patient with an orthopaedic implant who develops S. Aureus bacteraemia, recognize that the prosthesis itself carries a 34% risk of becoming seeded — prompt infectious disease consultation and low threshold for joint aspiration are warranted.
When an external fixator develops pin site problems, know that the infection rate varies enormously by site (femoral shaft up to 50%), and that established biofilm on the implant surface renders systemic antibiotics alone insufficient for eradication.