Gut Microbiome in Orthopaedics: Investigating the Role of Gut Microbiome Composition in Total Knee Arthroplasty Failure

Many patients who receive knee replacement surgery must return for a revision (or repeat) surgery due to ongoing pain, stiffness, infection, or implant loosening. The role of the gut microbiome-the collection of bacteria and other microbes within the human gastrointestinal tract-is just beginning to be recognized in orthopaedics. The gut microbiome has been found to affect the immune response and bone regulation, potentially contributing to infection or loosening after total joint replacement. Antibiotics are regularly used in orthopaedic surgery to reduce the risk of infection, yet they might also harm gut microbiota and reduce their potentially beneficial effects. As a result, understanding the relationship between gut microbiota and surgical outcomes has become increasingly important. Therefore, this study aims to determine if there are differences in gut microbiota composition between patients with well-functioning knee replacements and those requiring revision knee replacements. Additional study aims include assessing inflammation, implant loosening, metal ion levels, and circulating bacteria in blood or tissue between well-functioning or failed knee replacements.