Sonication findings do not support routine removal of paediatric orthopaedic implants.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

The risk of implant-associated infection (IAI) is occasionally cited as an indication for routine removal of orthopaedic implants in children, but evidence is lacking. This study aimed at exploring the frequency of microbial colonization of paediatric orthopaedic implants by sonication, a gold standard for diagnosing IAI.

Methods

Data of all patients aged <18 years at index implantation who underwent implant removal over a 34-month period at a single institution were retrospectively reviewed. Sonication culture results were classified according to microbial growth as negative (no/non-significant growth) or positive (significant growth/colonization). Descriptive statistics were performed, correlations were analysed via crosstabs and univariate ANOVA (p < 0.05).

SUBMITTER: Rakow A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12685732 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature