Unveiling the link: highly porous tantalum-augmented implants and periprosthetic joint infection in revision total knee arthroplasty—a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background

The trend of the literature suggests that tantalum (Ta) may possess antibacterial properties. However, no consensus has been reached on Ta's preventive role in periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) in patients undergoing revision total knee arthroplasty (rTKA).

Question

What is the PJI incidence rate after rTKA using Ta-augmented implants for both septic and all-cause revision reasons? Is there a difference in the PJI rate following rTKA performed using Ta-augmented implants compared to non-Ta implants?

Methods

Using 5 major databases, the authors searched for studies reporting the rate of PJIs following rTKA using Ta-augmented implants until January 2022. The PJI rates for the Ta group were pooled, compared to the control group, and presented as odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) using forest plots.

Results

Thirty eligible studies involving 881 knees were included. The overall PJI rate following rTKA using Ta-augmented implants was 8.1% (CI = 6.6%-9.9%). Specifically, in cases of septic revision, the infection rate was 15.7% (95% CI = 11.7%-20.7%). The comparative analysis indicated a similar PJI rate between the Ta- augmented and non-Ta group across 3 studies, which was found to be similar (OR = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.13–2.0, P = 0.35).

Conclusion

PJI poses a significant risk following both aseptic and septic revision rTKA, even when Ta-augmented implants were administrated. The rate of PJI after rTKA was similar for Ta- augmented implants and non-Ta implants. Further rigorous studies with a high level of evidence are essential to definitively determine the potential impact of Ta derivatives on infection rates following rTKA, particularly in septic revision.

Level of evidence

IV.