Prosthetic Joint Infections: Patients Return to Suffering

Prosthetic joint surgery is a treatment that significantly improves the quality of life for patients with degenerative arthritis and the elderly. However, when post-surgical infections occur, patients must undergo prolonged antibiotic treatment and face the removal of the implanted prosthetic joint.

Currently, to treat infections, titanium prosthetic joints must be removed, and patients must go at least 6 months without any implant. During this period, patients suffer from pain, and depending on the joint location, walking becomes impossible. The empty space carries risks of hematoma or secondary infection, and muscle atrophy progresses.

Antibiotic-Loaded Implants Made with 3D Printing

A research team at the Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná (PUC-PR) in Brazil has developed a biodegradable temporary prosthetic joint to solve this problem. The research team, led by Professor Felipe Francisco Tuon from the Graduate School of Health Sciences, created an implant using 3D printing technology that combines antibiotics with plastic polymer materials.

This temporary implant is inserted to replace the removed prosthetic joint during the infection treatment period. Antibiotics act directly on the infected site, enhancing treatment effectiveness while patients maintain joint function. Once the infection is cured, it is replaced again with a permanent titanium prosthetic joint.

Clinical Trial Phase: 15 Patients Treated

To date, 15 hip prosthetic joint patients at Cajuru University Hospital in Curitiba have received this temporary implant, with initial results being positive. The research team plans to expand clinical trials next year to include knee and shoulder prosthetic joint patients.

Professor Tuon explained, "Currently, there are no accessible antibiotic-loaded temporary implants available in Brazil's public healthcare system (SUS)," adding that "existing products are imported and very expensive."

The advantages of 3D printing technology are significant. Not only can standardized models be mass-produced at low cost, but patient-specific customization is also possible. Implants can be designed to match each patient's anatomical characteristics based on CT scan data.

Preparing for Nationwide Distribution

The research team has secured research funding of 3 million reais (approximately 600 million won) from Brazil's National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq). With this funding, they plan to expand 3D printing production facilities to supply implants to public hospitals throughout Brazil.

Professor Tuon stated, "Our goal is to provide implants to all hospitals that want to participate in the project," adding that "we currently have the capacity and materials to produce several years' worth of implants."

Expected Improvements in Healthcare Accessibility

Once this technology is commercialized, it is expected to reduce the risk of reoperation due to infection and significantly improve patients' quality of life during treatment. Particularly, as a low-cost domestic alternative emerges in a situation that relied on expensive imported products, the burden on the public healthcare system is also expected to decrease.