Prevalence and clinical impact of dento-alveolar foci in periprosthetic joint infections: a retrospective cohort study of 213 cases - Scorecard - MDSpire
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Frequency and Clinical Significance of Dento-Alveolar Infections in Periprosthetic Joint Infections: A Retrospective Analysis of 213 Cases

  • By

  • Christina Pempe

  • Gerhard Schmalz

  • Dirk Ziebolz

  • Andreas Roth

  • October 3, 2026

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Clinical Scorecard: Frequency and Clinical Significance of Dento-Alveolar Infections in Periprosthetic Joint Infections: A Retrospective Analysis of 213 Cases

At a Glance

CategoryDetail
ConditionPeriprosthetic Joint Infection (PJI)
Key MechanismsDento-alveolar foci may serve as extra-articular sources of infection, potentially leading to PJI.
Target PopulationPatients undergoing total joint arthroplasty, particularly older adults.
Care SettingUniversity hospital managing hip or knee PJI cases.

Key Highlights

  • PJI occurs in 0.5%–2% of primary arthroplasties and 15%–36% of revision cases.
  • Oral and dental conditions may account for up to 10% of late PJIs.
  • Viridans-group streptococci are commonly implicated in dental foci related to PJI.
  • The role of dental foci in PJI outcomes remains uncertain.
  • Routine dental screening before arthroplasty is not endorsed by the International Consensus Meeting.

Guideline-Based Recommendations

Diagnosis

  • Confirmed PJI diagnosis using 2018 ICM criteria.

Management

  • DAIR for early and hematogenous infections when conditions are favorable.

Monitoring & Follow-up

  • Assess for DAIR failure defined by need for endoprosthesis explantation or stable draining fistula.

Risks

  • Dental pathology is prevalent among older adults, who are also at higher risk for PJI.

Patient & Prescribing Data

Patients with hip or knee PJI managed at a university hospital.

Antimicrobial therapy administered based on susceptibility testing post-surgery.

Clinical Best Practices

  • Conduct standardized dental assessments in patients with PJI.
  • Utilize panoramic radiography for dental evaluations.

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