The Role of Tetracyclines in Joint Arthroplasties

Tetracyclines have various connections to total joint arthroplasties, including their potential use in perioperative infection prophylaxis, treatment of periprosthetic infections and mitigation of complications such as osteolysis and aseptic loosening. The present study is a narrative review focusing on the potential association of tetracyclines with joint arthroplasties. Tetracyclines have several potential uses in the context of arthroplasties, although they are not commonly used as prophylactic antibiotics during surgery due to concerns about their efficacy against the typical pathogens associated with surgical site infections. However, in the case of prosthetic joint infections, tetracyclines may be considered as part of the antibiotic regimen. After successful treatment of a prosthetic joint infection, some patients may require long-term antibiotic suppression therapy to prevent the recurrence of infection. Tetracyclines, such as doxycycline, may be one option for long-term oral antibiotic therapy in these cases. Minocycline-induced black bone disease and skin pigmentation are adverse events that should be taken into consideration, in terms of joint arthroplasties. The use of doxycycline in the prevention of osteolysis and aseptic loosening is an area of interest and ongoing research in orthopedic surgery, particularly in the context of total joint arthroplasties. Finally, tetracycline labeling in bones can provide valuable insights into implant incorporation and aseptic loosening of prosthetic joints.