Mr Sulaiman Alazzawi has co-authored a newly published study alongside colleagues from the Trauma & Orthopaedics Department at St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, examining long-term outcomes following revision surgery for prosthetic joint infection.

Prosthetic joint infection is one of the more serious complications after hip or knee replacement surgery. Although uncommon, it can lead to significant pain, reduced mobility and prolonged treatment, often requiring further surgery. One of the key debates in orthopaedic surgery is whether infected joint replacements are best treated with a single-stage revision (where the infected implant is removed and replaced during the same operation) or a two-stage revision (where the implant is removed, infection treated, and a new joint implanted at a later date).

The new study

The newly published retrospective observational cohort study compares the long-term outcomes of single-stage versus two-stage revision surgery for prosthetic joint infection. Drawing on clinical data, the research evaluates rates of infection control, implant survival and functional outcomes over time.

The findings contribute important evidence to an area where treatment decisions must be carefully individualised. While two-stage revision has traditionally been considered the gold standard in complex infections, the study highlights that, in appropriately selected patients, single-stage revision can offer comparable long-term outcomes. Potential advantages of single-stage revision include fewer operations, shorter recovery time and reduced disruption for patients.

Expertise in revision joint replacement surgery

Mr Alazzawi’s involvement in this research reflects his specialist interest in complex and revision joint replacement surgery, as well as his commitment to improving outcomes for patients facing challenging revision procedures.

The study also reinforces the importance of careful patient selection, multidisciplinary input and specialist surgical expertise when managing prosthetic joint infection.

The full study can be accessed here: https://orthopedicreviews.openmedicalpublishing.org/article/147165-long-term-outcomes-of-single-stage-versus-two-stage-revision-for-prosthetic-joint-infection-a-retrospective-observational-cohort-study

If you are experiencing ongoing pain after joint replacement, it’s advisable to book a review. In most cases, the cause can be identified and treated effectively.

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