Bacterial colonization of prosthetic devices and measures to prevent infection.

Prosthetic devices are used extensively in surgical practice. This includes devices used on a temporary, intermittent, and long-term basis. In addition to problems with biocompatibility, the main health care issue concerning prostheses is the elevated risk of infection and the current inability to effectively prevent and treat such infections. An appreciation of microbial biofilm development has drawn attention to flaws in diagnosis and led to new methods to attack the problem. Future remedies will likely involve utilization of new biomaterial designs and application of either highly potent antimicrobials or agents used in combination that penetrate biofilms and eradicate the organisms.