What Are the Research Highlights of Periprosthetic Joint Infections From the 100 Most Cited Studies?

Background: Periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) are a serious complication after total joint arthroplasty. Our study aimed to analyze the characteristics and research highlights of the top 100 most cited studies on PJI from an orthopaedic standpoint. Moreover, we sought to assess whether there has been a change in the level of evidence (LOE) throughout time. Methods: We conducted a search of the PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases to identify the top 100 studies primarily focusing on PJI. Study characteristics assessed included publication year, LOE, journal of publication, and type of study. Research highlights of the included studies were classified into 6 sections. Linear regression was employed to assess correlation between LOE and publication year. Results: The aggregated citation count of all studies was 19,558 and the median citation number was 129.5. While cohort studies were the most prevalent, articles focusing on analysis of costs associated with PJI care or PJI definition garnered the highest yearly citation counts. The bulk of included studies were concentrated in 3 orthopaedic journals and published in the 2010s. The majority of studies had a LOE II (30%) or III (34%). On regression analysis, LOE was not correlated with publication year (Pearson's Conclusions: The most cited PJI articles assessed the definition of PJI and PJI cost. Despite growing interest in PJI, the majority of studies had LOE II or III, highlighting the difficulty of conducting prospective randomized controlled trials in PJI patients. Level of evidence: IV.