New antibiotic flush could beat stubborn joint infections

NCT ID NCT04662632

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested a device that delivers antibiotics directly to an infected hip or knee joint for 7 days after replacement surgery. 76 adults with joint infections were randomly assigned to get either the local antibiotic irrigation plus standard care, or standard care alone. The goal was to see if the new approach improves success rates at 90 days and beyond, including survival and infection control.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Vancomycin hydrochloride and tobramycin sulfate

What this could lead to

If successful, this could offer a more effective way to treat joint infections after replacement surgery, potentially reducing the need for long-term antibiotics.

What could go wrong

This is a small Phase 2 trial with only 76 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The treatment involves surgery and local antibiotics, which carry risks like allergic reactions or kidney problems.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

periprosthetic joint infection

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Cleveland Clinic

    Weston, Florida, 33331, United States

  • Cleveland Clinic

    Cleveland, Ohio, 44195, United States

  • Columbia

    New York, New York, 10032, United States

  • Covenant Medical Center

    Saginaw, Michigan, 48602, United States

  • Harbor-UCLA Medical Center

    Torrance, California, 90502, United States

  • Integris Southwest Medical Center

    Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 73103, United States

  • New York University

    New York, New York, 10003, United States

  • Ohio State University

    Columbus, Ohio, 43202, United States

  • OrthoCarolina Research Institute, Inc

    Charlotte, North Carolina, 28207, United States

  • Rothman Orthopaedic Institute

    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19107, United States

  • Texas Health Presbyterian

    Plano, Texas, 75093, United States

  • UVA Orthopedics Center

    Charlottesville, Virginia, 22903, United States

  • University of Arizona, Phoenix

    Phoenix, Arizona, 85004, United States

  • University of Florida

    Gainesville, Florida, 32611, United States

  • University of Kentucky

    Lexington, Kentucky, 40506, United States

  • University of Utah

    Salt Lake City, Utah, 84108, United States

  • VA Medical Center

    Washington D.C., District of Columbia, 20422, United States