Risk factors for metachronous periprosthetic joint infection in patients with multiple prosthetic joints: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Object Although periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) can affect multiple joints simultaneously, most individuals with multiple joint involvement exhibit PJI in only one joint. Data regarding the metachronous PJI management for these patients are limited. This study aimed to explore the risk factors for metachronous PJI in patients with multiple prosthetic joints, thereby guiding and optimizing clinical practice. Methods The MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE were searched for all clinical studies of metachronous PJI from inception until May 2024. The clinical studies on risk factors for metachronous PJI in patients with multiple prosthetic joints after experiencing a periprosthetic infection were collected, with two authors independently screening the literatures. Newcastle Ottawa scale was used as a quality assessment tool for the included studies, and the meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the potential risk factors of metachronous PJI. Results A total of 1,544 patients with PJI after multiple joint arthroplasties were reported in 9 studies, including 189 with metachronous PJI. The meta-analysis showed that methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA; OR, 3.43; 95%CI, 1.71–6.88; p = 0.0005), rheumatoid arthritis (RA; OR, 2.38; 95%CI, 1.06–5.38; p = 0.04), history of steroid use (OR, 2.93; 95%CI, 1.58–5.43; p = 0.0007), and previous or ongoing non-periprosthetic infection (OR, 4.47; 95%CI, 1.45–13.82; p = 0.009) were identified as significant risk factors for metachronous PJI in patients with multiple prosthetic joints. However, there was no significant difference between the metachronous PJI group and non-metachronous group in terms of revision, age, diabetes, and gender. Conclusion Patients with MRSA, RA, history of steroid use, previous or ongoing non-periprosthetic infection are at significantly higher risk for metachronous PJI. Further research is needed to optimize management strategies for preventing metachronous PJI in patients with multiple prostheses after a single joint PJI.