[Treatment of orthopedic implant-associated infections].

: The Swedish National Guidelines for Bone and Joint Infections were revised during 2018. The work was carried out on behalf of the Swedish Society for Infectious Diseases. The study group consists of senior consultants in infectious diseases, supported by specialists in orthopedic surgery, clinical microbiology and allergology when needed. The study group emphasizes that implant associated infections are challenging and requires multidisciplinary cooperation, including, but not limited to, specialists in orthopedic surgery, infectious diseases, clinical microbiology and radiology for optimal treatment results. All aspects of the clinical management are equally important; selecting the optimal antibiotic prophylaxis in arthroplasty as well as fracture surgery, early diagnosis of infection, adequate treatment, follow-up, and finally a structured evaluation of outcome. Profound and updated knowledge of treatment of biofilm related infection is necessary to achieve optimal results in patients with implant-associated infections. Future challenges include improved decision support for combining surgical treatment with selection of proper antibiotics, as well as management of antibiotic resistance, drug-drug interactions and adverse effects of antibiotic treatment.