High incidence of early periprosthetic joint infection following total hip arthroplasty with concomitant or previous hardware removal.

Irrespective of single- or two-stage procedures, a high incidence of PJI was encountered. Despite non-significance, a trend towards a higher proportion of patients developing PJI after single-stage surgery was encountered. We recommend a two-stage surgical procedure regarding hardware removal and THA in patients that are expected to tolerate this surgical strategy. When considering a one-stage procedure, it should be preceded by a thorough pre-operative workup including joint aspiration and serum determination of inflammatory parameters. Multiple tissue samples should be obtained during hardware removal in either one- or two-stage procedures since the risk for development of PJI is relevant.