Diagnosis and management of the infected total knee arthroplasty.

The infected total knee arthroplasty presents challenges for diagnosis and management. Infection develops in patients with compromised host defense mechanisms and in those in whom there is compromised wound healing or intraoperative wound contamination. A high index of suspicion of infection is necessary to diagnose infection in the patient without implant loosening. Eradication of the infection is the most important objective of management. The treatment option that offers the best possible function for the patient should be selected. Prevention of infection by correct patient selection and proper surgical technique should remain the goal of the attending surgeon.