We need a new acronym supplementing DAIR: Introducing DECRA.

Abstract

The treatment for an acute Periprosthetic Joint Infection (PJI) is historically described using the acronym DAIR (Debridement, Antibiotics, Implant Retention). However, this acronym, by intention, does not imply that the modular parts of an implant system are always exchanged. There are many circumstances where modular exchange is not possible. It is well known that DAIR procedures with modular exchange show improved results. To reduce heterogeneity in the published literature, we introduce the supplementary acronym DECRA (Debridement, Modular Exchange, Component Retention, Antibiotics) for the treatment of acute PJI. The DECRA acronym will identify studies where modular exchange is always performed and will be separate from DAIR, where modular exchange is not performed or is unclarified. This will reduce heterogeneity and provide fidelity in research analysis. Moving forward, we advocate that the orthopaedic community, reviewers, and journal editors mindfully reflect this distinction in publications.