FORUM References: 1. Gehrke T et al. (2024) Arch Orthop Trauma Surg 145(1) : 58. 2. Metsemakers W et al (2024) Lancet Infect Dis 24(6): e386–e393. 3. European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) (2024) Point prevalence survey of healthcare-associated infections and antimicrobial use in European acute care hospitals, 2022-2023. https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications-data/PPS-HAI-AMR-acute-care-europe-2022-2023 (accessed on 01.03.2026) 4. Calderwood M et al (2023) Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 44(5): 695–720. 5. Dudek B et al. (2024) Int J Mol Sci 25: 12720. 6. Watson F et al (2024) GMS Hyg Infect Control 19: Doc73. Multimodal strategy for reducing SSI HARTMANN at DKOU 2025 Periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) and fracture-associated infections (FRIs) are among the most serious complications in orthopaedics and trauma surgery, placing a considerable burden on patients, surgeons, clinics, and the healthcare system [1, 2]. Postoperative wound infections (surgical site infections, SSIs) occur in 1–4% of primary endoprosthetic cases, with rates rising to 25% or more in revisions [3]. Consequences include prolonged hospital stays, multiple revision surgeries, high costs (€65,000– 100,000 per case), and a significantly increased mortality rate [3]. DAIR concept as an established treatment strategy for SSI To enable efficient and timely wound healing, it is necessary to treat and remove biofilm, as well as prevent its formation. For example, intraoperative wound irrigation with PREVENTIA® Surgical Irrigation, which contains an antimicrobial additive, can complement surgical practice [4]. PREVENTIA® combines a mechanical effect with an antimicrobial effect while maintaining low cytotoxicity [5, 6]. Using an irrigation solution containing an antimicrobial additive is part of a comprehensive DAIR (Debridement, Antibiotics, Implant Retention) approach. This includes early surgical intervention involving thorough, radical debridement, as well as the possible use of an antimicrobial irrigation solution, such as PREVENTIA® Surgical Irrigation, and the replacement of all modular prosthetic components. From 28 to 31 October 2025, the German Congress for Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery (DKOU) attracted over 11,000 participants to Berlin under the motto ‘Shaping progress together‘. HARTMANN also had a booth at the event, as well as holding a lunch symposium on the topic of ‘Rethinking infection management: a multimodal approach to PJI and FRI‘. This high-profile event generated considerable interest. PREVENTIA® Surgical Irrigation – innovative irrigation solution in practice Antimicrobial debridement is used in addition to, but not instead of, surgery – mechanical debridement is crucial. The following PREVENTIA® protocol has been established for treating complex infections: After an initial sodium chloride (NaCl) irrigation, one liter of PREVENTIA® solution is applied for 2–3 minutes, followed by an optional NaCl irrigation. At the HARTMANN symposium, it was made clear that preventing infection remains one of the greatest challenges in orthopaedics and trauma surgery. In addition to radical mechanical debridement, irrigation with an antimicrobial additive such as 0,1% PHMB plus Poloxamer, such as that found in PREVENTIA® Surgical Irrigation, can serve as an effective and easily integrated measure that makes an important contribution to the overall strategy. AFTER PREVENTIA® 99.99% BEFORE Test results with PREVENTIA® show a 99,99% reduction of bacteria in 1min [6]. 16
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