Implant-Associated Infection: Still a Challenging Problem

Medical implants have become an integral component of modern healthcare, addressing a wide range of conditions and enhancing the quality of life for millions of patients. These devices, which include e.g. pacemakers, neural implants, and joint replacements, serve to restore bodily functions, alleviate pain, and improve mobility. However, the use of medical implants is not without challenges and burdens. Infection is a major complication associated with implants used in orthopaedic surgery. These infections necessitate additional surgical interventions to achieve successful treatment, resulting in escalated healthcare expenditures and patient distress. The pathomechanism of Implant-associated infections (IAIs) is complex, presenting challenges in clinical management. These infections occur when microorganisms adhere to the surface of an implant, form a sequestrum and biofilms, and persist in host cells, leading to persistent infections. To prevent and address IAIs, a multifaceted approach is required, including the development of new antimicrobial strategies, improved surgical techniques, and comprehensive patient management to reduce the incidence and impact of these infections. This presentation provides an overview of IAIs and presents different approaches for IAIs prevention.