PERIPROSTHETIC JOINT INFECTION FOLLOWING TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY: CONTEMPORARY CONCEPTS IN DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is one of the most serious complications following total knee arthroplasty and remains a leading cause of early revision surgery. It is associated with high morbidity, prolonged hospitalisation, increased healthcare costs, and inferior functional outcomes. Despite advances in implant design, surgical techniques, and perioperative infection control measures, PJI continues to challenge arthroplasty surgeons. With the increasing volume of knee arthroplasty procedures worldwide, the burden of PJI is expected to rise further. Traditionally, two-stage revision arthroplasty has been considered the gold standard for treatment; however, single-stage revision is gaining acceptance in carefully selected patients. This review discusses the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnostic criteria, and contemporary management strategies for PJI following total knee arthroplasty.