A Novel Biofilm-Disrupting Wound Care Technology for the Prevention of Surgical Site Infections Following Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Conceptual Review

Abstract

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a major driver for increased costs following lower extremity joint arthroplasty procedures. It has been estimated that these account for over $2 billion in annual costs in the United States. While many of the current strategies for the prevention and treatment of SSIs target planktonic bacteria, 80 to 90% of bacterial pathogens exist in a sessile state. These sessile bacteria can produce extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) as protective barriers from host immune defenses and antimicrobial agents and thus, can be exceedingly difficult to eradicate. A novel wound care gel that disrupts the EPS and destroys the inciting pathogens has been developed for the treatment and prevention of biofilm-related infections. This is achieved by the simultaneous action of four key ingredients: (1) citric acid; (2) sodium citrate; (3) benzalkonium chloride; and (4) polyethylene glycol. Together, these constituents create a high osmolarity, pH-controlled environment that deconstructs and prevents biofilm formation, while destroying pathogens and promoting a moist environment for optimal wound healing. The available clinical evidence demonstrating the efficacy of this technology has been summarized, as well as the economic implications of its implementation and the authors’ preferred method of its use. Due to the multifaceted burden associated with biofilm-producing bacteria in arthroplasty patients, this technology may prove to be beneficial for patients who have higher risks for infection, or perhaps, as a prophylactic measure to prevent infections for all patients.