THE INCIDENTS ARE RARE, BUT THE REPERCUSSIONS CAN BE GRAVE: EVERY YEAR, ABOUT 1 TO 2 PERCENT OF PEOPLE UNDERGOING HIP AND KNEE REPLACEMENTS IN THE U.S. END UP WITH SURGERY-RELATED BACTERIAL INFECTIONS. IN A WORST-CASE SCENARIO, THE INFECTION CONTINUES FOR MONTHS AND THE PATIENT REQUIRES A NEW PROSTHESIS.
Bioluminescent Bacteria From The Infected Mouse Knee Joint That Did Not Receive An Antibiotic-Coated Implant.
Now, Johns Hopkins researchers have designed a thin, biodegradable plastic coating for metal implants that can release multiple antibiotics to diminish the chance of such infections.