The purpose of this pilot study is to determine the volume of irrigation required to achieve macroscopic clearance of contaminants during a debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention (DAIR) procedure for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) of the knee. Given the lack of robust data guiding irrigation volume in this setting, the investigator proposes to use the application of methylene blue dye intraoperatively to simulate contaminant presence. Serial irrigation will be performed, with photographic documentation taken every 2,000mL until visible dye clearance is achieved. This study aims to identify the irrigation volumes that result in gross clearance of simulated contamination, thereby informing the design and stratification of a future randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluating irrigation strategies in DAIR procedures.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
20
10 mL of 0.25% methylene blue dissolved in 20 mL normal saline, applied intra-articularly via sterile gauze to simulate contaminant presence. Irrigation performed in 2,000 mL increments until macroscopic dye clearance is achieved. Used solely as a surrogate marker; no therapeutic intent
Standard of care surgical procedure performed for documented periprosthetic joint infection
Standard of care surgical procedure performed for severe knee osteoarthritis
UHealth Tower
Miami, Florida, United States
Irrigation Volume Required for Clearance of Methylene Blue Dye
To determine the volume of irrigation fluid (mL) required to achieve complete macroscopic clearance of methylene blue dye from the surgical site. The irrigation volume will be recorded intraoperatively at each increment and clearance assessed by direct visual confirmation
Time frame: Within 15 minutes intraoperatively, immediately following methylene blue dye application and completion of irrigation procedure
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