The Use of a Supra-Acetabular Antibiotic-Loaded Cement Shelf to Improve Hip Stability in First-Stage Infected Total Hip Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Antibiotic-loaded cement spacers in first-stage revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) for managing infection are associated with high dislocation and fracture rates. The aim of this study was to report the use of an antibiotic-loaded cemented supra-acetabular roof augmentation to reinforce hip stability after cement spacer insertion for first-stage total hip revision in the treatment of infected THA. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed a consecutive series of 50 THAs involving 47 patients with an infected hip requiring staged revisions of THA. We documented dislocation, reinfection, and time for revision and outcome. RESULTS: There were no cases of hip dislocation, cement fractures, or any other technical complications associated with the use of the roof augmentation lip. Thirteen cases (26%) had a cemented spacer for longer than 120 days. Seven (14%) cases had recurrent infection after staged revision THA. CONCLUSION: The antibiotic-loaded cemented supra-acetabular roof augment improved femoral head spacer coverage for patients requiring a staged revision THA for infection.