Orthopedic implants are highly susceptible to infection.This infection mostly occurs due to Staphylococcus. It comprises up to two-thirds of all pathogens in implant infections and they are the principal causative agents.This article will provide an overview of the infections caused due to orthopedic implants. Orthopedic implant devices are intended to restore the function of load-bearing joints which are subjected to high levels of mechanical stresses, wear, and fatigue in the course of normal activity.
These devices include prostheses for hip, knee, ankle, shoulder and elbow joints. They also include the fracture fixation devices such as wires, pins, plates, screws, etc. Implant materials Metals, polymers [poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)] and ceramics (alumina, zirconia, and hydroxyapatite) are the three classes of materials that…
