Each year, millions of joint replacement surgeries are performed worldwide, with hip and knee replacements being among the most common. While surgical advancements and improved implants have led to better outcomes, there remains a significant post-surgical concern that continues to affect patients: periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs).
How serious is this issue?
Although the overall rate of PJI may seem low at first glance—ranging from 1-2% for hip and knee replacements—the implications for both patients and healthcare systems are far-reaching.
According to LSI’s Global Surgical Procedure Volumes database, approximately 3.8 million total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) were performed globally in 2023. Projections indicate that knee arthroplasty volumes will grow at a rate of 6.5% annually, potentially reaching 5.2 million procedures by 2028.
Even at a seemingly modest infection rate of 1-2%, this still translates to tens of thousands of knee replacements complicated by infection every year: roughly 38,000-72,000 cases. While this figure may appear small relative to the total volume of procedures, the broader impact of PJI is significant.
The financial cost associated with PJIs can be substantial. Depending on the specific approach, treatment for PJI typically ranges from $19,476-$46,000. A two-stage revision, which is the standard approach for PJI management, often costs around $38,000 for knee replacement cases.
When calculated across the global volume of knee replacements, the cost of treating PJI could reach $3.3 billion. These costs add up quickly and underscore the need for better management strategies.
Hip replacements, while less common than knee replacements, also carry a risk of PJIs. With an estimated 3.4 million hip replacements performed globally in 2023, these procedures also face similar risks and costs. Despite a slightly lower volume, the financial and medical burden of PJIs in hip replacements is equally concerning.
While the percentage of infections may seem small, the cost burden and the impact on patient well-being make PJI a growing problem for both healthcare providers and patients.
The consequences of periprosthetic joint infections go beyond just medical costs. A two-stage revision procedure—which typically requires weeks for recovery—can have a high failure rate, leaving patients facing extended pain, hospitalizations, and a prolonged recovery process. For many, the road to recovery from a PJI is long and fraught with complications.
The emotional and physical toll on patients is considerable, as PJI patients often experience long-lasting pain and limitations on their mobility, which can significantly impact their quality of life. These complications also add strain on healthcare systems already burdened by rising treatment costs.
Recognizing the growing challenge posed by PJIs, several companies and technologies are emerging to address this issue. Osteal Therapeutics, Reselute, and Solenic Medical Inc. are among those developing innovative solutions aimed at improving the management and prevention of implant-related infections.
One particularly promising innovation comes from Solenic Medical, which is working on a non-invasive device that uses alternating magnetic fields generated by external coils to eliminate biofilms that contribute to PJIs. This breakthrough could significantly reduce the need for invasive surgeries and improve patient outcomes.
In July 2023, Solenic secured $5.1 million in a Series A funding round led by Johnson & Johnson Innovation, highlighting the growing interest in developing more effective solutions for managing PJIs.
Although the incidence of PJIs remains low relative to the total number of joint replacement procedures, the broader impact—financially, medically, and on patient quality of life—is substantial. As joint replacement surgeries increase in number, so too does the need for effective, less invasive treatment options for managing PJI.
Innovation will be key in driving improvements in the prevention and treatment of these infections. Whether through new technologies like Solenic’s magnetic field therapy or better surgical interventions, the medical community must continue to explore novel solutions to address this persistent problem.
Periprosthetic joint infections are a significant issue for hip and knee replacement surgeries. Although the infection rate itself is relatively low, the costs and impact on patient health are considerable. The global burden of PJI treatment—both financially and in terms of patient quality of life—presents a major challenge to healthcare providers.
As the number of joint replacement surgeries increases, so too will the demand for innovative treatments and solutions to combat these infections. Companies that invest in developing effective solutions for periprosthetic joint infections will be integral in addressing this issue.
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