A strong partnership for the management of implant-associated infections in orthopaedics and trauma surgery

• Heraeus Medical offers quick and easy access to PRO-IMPLANT Foundation’s consultation services
• Better availability of expert advice on the treatment of complex septic complications
• Interdisciplinary recommendations on treatment concept within 24 hours

Heraeus Medical and the PRO-IMPLANT Foundation combine their expertise for optimal treatment concepts of implant-associated infections in orthopaedics and trauma surgery. In the treatment of periprosthetic joint infections (PJI), the choice of an interdisciplinary, well coordinated treatment algorithm is an essential success factor.

"In order to define an optimal treatment strategy as quickly as possible, Heraeus Medical has teamed up as the first industry partner with the

PRO-IMPLANT Foundation to provide clinical professionals with easy and fast access to a unique expert network in septic surgery," explains
Lothar Kiontke, Head of Marketing at Heraeus Medical.

Burden for surgeons, patients and the healthcare system

Hip and knee joint surgeries are among the most common procedures in orthopaedics and traumatology. As with any surgical procedure, complications may occur. For example, a periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a rare, but serious complication, which is a major burden for patients and is associated with high costs for the healthcare system.

The assessment of the right treatment algorithm is an essential success factor for the prevention and therapy of PJI. The combination of systemic and local antibiotics is very important for effective infection management during revision or fracture. The selection of the right antibiotics needs to take into account existing resistances and the prevalences of the germs responsible for PJI. Often, complex bacterial situations or non-specific diagnostic results are very challenging for the surgical team. With its COPAL^® products, Heraeus Medical offers specialized products for the local application of antibiotics.

Easier access to PRO-IMPLANT Foundation’s consultation service

The PRO-IMPLANT foundation has been advising medical professionals on the treatment of bone, joint, implant and other complex infections since 2012. An interdisciplinary team of clinical experts is available via the online consultation portal and by telephone. Until now, the consultation service was exclusively available through the PRO-IMPLANT Foundation. The partnership with Heraeus Medical allows broader access to this consulting service. As PRO-IMPLANT´s first industry partner, Heraeus is taking on a pioneering role in digital infection management.

"The partnership with Heraeus Medical opens up comprehensive opportunities for the PRO-IMPLANT Foundation to efficiently support physicians with the treatment of complex septic complications," said Dr. Andrej Trampuz of the PRO-IMPLANT Foundation. "Interdisciplinary recommendations are available within 24 hours. Subsequently, treatment is monitored to optimize medical outcome and mitigate costs."

About Heraeus Medical

Heraeus Medical is a leader in bone cements and biomaterials for surgical orthopedics and trauma surgery. This enables the company to make an important contribution to supporting surgeons and their surgical team and to improve medical outcomes. In the area of biomaterials, Heraeus Medical focuses on products for use in bone and joint surgery. The core product PALACOS is considered the gold standard among bone cements and has continously proven itself over five decades of clinical use. The first antibiotic bone cement for infection prophylaxis in arthroplasty was developed almost 50 years ago with PALACOS R+G.

PRO-IMPLANT Foundation
The Pro-Implant Foundation connects medical professionals in a global network of experts to share, advance and practice the best medical care for patients. The PRO-IMPLANT Foundation is a partner and source for knowledge, background and innovative solutions in the field of implant and surgical infections.

The PRO-IMPLANT Foundation is a non-profit organization whose activities do not generate revenue but support medical research, education and improvement of patient care.