1. The PJI-TNM classification for periprosthetic joint infections: clinical application and implementation of an app-based classification tool
- Author
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Susanne Baertl, Markus Rupp, Maximilian Kerschbaum, Mario Morgenstern, Florian Baumann, Christian Pfeifer, Michael Worlicek, Daniel Popp, Derek F. Amanatullah, and Volker Alt
- Subjects
periprosthetic joint infection ,classification ,pji-tnm ,validation ,periprosthetic joint infections (pjis) ,morbidity ,orthopaedic surgeons ,tissue implants ,clinicians ,infections ,biofilm ,comorbidities ,hip ,charlson comorbidity index (cci) ,Diseases of the musculoskeletal system ,RC925-935 - Abstract
Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical application of the PJI-TNM classification for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) by determining intraobserver and interobserver reliability. To facilitate its use in clinical practice, an educational app was subsequently developed and evaluated. Methods: A total of ten orthopaedic surgeons classified 20 cases of PJI based on the PJI-TNM classification. Subsequently, the classification was re-evaluated using the PJI-TNM app. Classification accuracy was calculated separately for each subcategory (reinfection, tissue and implant condition, non-human cells, and morbidity of the patient). Fleiss’ kappa and Cohen’s kappa were calculated for interobserver and intraobserver reliability, respectively. Results: Overall, interobserver and intraobserver agreements were substantial across the 20 classified cases. Analyses for the variable ‘reinfection’ revealed an almost perfect interobserver and intraobserver agreement with a classification accuracy of 94.8%. The category 'tissue and implant conditions' showed moderate interobserver and substantial intraobserver reliability, while the classification accuracy was 70.8%. For 'non-human cells,' accuracy was 81.0% and interobserver agreement was moderate with an almost perfect intraobserver reliability. The classification accuracy of the variable 'morbidity of the patient' reached 73.5% with a moderate interobserver agreement, whereas the intraobserver agreement was substantial. The application of the app yielded comparable results across all subgroups. Conclusion: The PJI-TNM classification system captures the heterogeneity of PJI and can be applied with substantial inter- and intraobserver reliability. The PJI-TNM educational app aims to facilitate application in clinical practice. A major limitation was the correct assessment of the implant situation. To eliminate this, a re-evaluation according to intraoperative findings is strongly recommended. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2024;13(1):19–27.
- Published
- 2024
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