Joint infection: prosthetic joint infection: practice question

A Orthopaedics question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Orthopaedics · Joint infection: prosthetic joint infection

Sample item

Late infection of a total knee prosthesis by coagulase-negative staphylococci is difficult to eradicate mainly because of what?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Biofilm formation on the implant surface

Organisms such as Staphylococcus epidermidis adhere to metal and polyethylene and form a glycocalyx biofilm that protects bacteria from antibiotics and host defences. Cure often requires implant removal with staged revision.

Option by option

  • A. Rapid antibody clearance

    Antibody clearance is not the issue.

  • B. Lack of antibiotic susceptibility testing

    Sensitivity testing is possible but does not solve biofilm resistance.

  • C. Infection of the opposite knee

    Infection of the other knee is not the issue.

  • D. Biofilm formation on the implant surface (correct)

    Correct. Biofilm protects the organisms on the implant.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Orthopaedics question

What is the answer to this Orthopaedics question?

The best answer is D, Biofilm formation on the implant surface. Organisms such as Staphylococcus epidermidis adhere to metal and polyethylene and form a glycocalyx biofilm that protects bacteria from antibiotics and host defences.

Why is "Rapid antibody clearance" not the answer?

Antibody clearance is not the issue.

Why is "Lack of antibiotic susceptibility testing" not the answer?

Sensitivity testing is possible but does not solve biofilm resistance.

Why is "Infection of the opposite knee" not the answer?

Infection of the other knee is not the issue.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Joint infection: prosthetic joint infection in Orthopaedics. Cure often requires implant removal with staged revision.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Joint infection: prosthetic joint infection?

Pair each fracture with its classic complication and nerve injured. Then use the flashcards and the other Orthopaedics questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.