Technological innovations in regenerative medicine with new therapeutic biomaterials combatting increased bacterial resistance in emerging bone and joint infections. Deep infection is an increasing and feared complication severely affecting the outcome of bone and joint surgery. The demographic change has led to a significant increase of an ageing population having a Joint replacement for osteoarthritis or surgery for fragility fractures. The outcome of major joint surgery is hampered by infection rates of 1 to 5 % resulting in significant societal losses. An infection around an implant is impossible to treat with systemic antibiotic treatment only. It drastically affects human wellbeing impairing quality of life causing chronic pain and immobility. Repeated surgical procedures for eradication of prosthetic joint infection (PJI) and at best reinsertion of a second prosthesis will be necessary. Still up to one fifth will end in permanent failure with a 5 % mortality rate caused by the infection.

Our aim is to reduce the risk of getting a PJI infection and radically improve the treatment of an established infection. Our group combines basic science, epidemiology, microbiology, pharmacokinetics, and material science with clinical expertise. Emerging bacterial resistance poses a major threat and new innovative treatment modality is highly warranted. The WEF’s Global Risks 2014 report included antibiotic resistance among the top societal risks confronting the world. Our present translational program aims to improve preventive measures and reduce emerging joint prosthetic infection caused by multi-resistant bacteria. New regenerative techniques will be the base for novel engineered anti-infective and tissue repairing materials. The public healthcare providers will be able to reduce costs and most importantly the program will protect patients and save lives. 9 senior researchers and 5 PhD students are actively involved in the program in cooperation with Universities in Lund, Copenhagen, Glasgow, Oxford...