A Case of Severe Acute Kidney Injury Due to an Antibiotic-Loaded Cement Spacer for Infected Knee Arthroplasty.

The treatment for periprosthetic joint infection frequently involves the placement of a high-dose antibiotic-loaded bone cement spacer (ALCS) into the debrided joint. Typical antibiotics in the spacer include aminoglycosides and vancomycin. It has been believed that systemic absorption of intraarticular antibiotics would be low and early experience suggested that the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) from ALCS was minimal. However, recent case reports and case series have suggested a risk of acute kidney injury due to antibiotic absorption, though confounding factors are common. We report a case of severe AKI requiring hemodialysis with extremely high systemic tobramycin levels after the placement of an ALCS with increased dosing of antibiotics after previous failure to resolve a periprosthetic joint infection with a prior ALCS. There was no concomitant use of intravenous nephrotoxic antibiotics nor other confounding factors. Despite dialysis, the patient needed urgent removal of the ALCS to control tobramycin levels with subsequent resolution of the AKI. This case highlights the potentially serious nephrotoxicity of ALCS's, the importance of antibiotic type and dosing, and the value of close monitoring after ALCS placement, especially in a patient with chronic kidney disease.

Application of double plate fixation combined with Masquelet technique for large segmental bone defects of distal tibia: a retrospective study and literature review.

BACKGROUND: There is no effective consensus on the choice of internal fixation method for the Masquelet technique in the treatment of large segmental bone defects of the distal tibia. Thus, the study aimed to investigate the outcomes of the Masquelet technique combined with double plate fixation in the treatment of large segmental bone defects. METHODS: This was a retrospective study involving 21 patients with large segmental bone defects of the distal tibia who were treated between June 2017 and June 2020. The length of bone defect ranged from 6.0 cm to 11 cm (mean, 8.19 cm). In the first stage of treatment, following complete debridement, a cement spacer was placed to induce membrane formation. In the second stage, double plate fixation and autologous cancellous bone grafting were employed for bone reconstruction. Each patient's full weight-bearing time, bone healing time, and Iowa ankle score were recorded, and the occurrence of any complications was noted. RESULTS: All patients were followed up for 16 to 26 months (mean, 19.48 months). The group mean full weight-bearing time and bone healing time after bone grafting were 2.41 (± 0.37) months and 6.29 (± 0.66) months, respectively. During the treatment, one patient had a wound infection on the medial side of the leg, so the medial plate was removed. The wound completely healed after debridement without any recurrence. After extraction of iliac bone for grafting, one patient had a severe iliac bone defect, which was managed by filling the gap with a cement spacer. Most patients reported mild pain in the left bone extraction area after surgery. The postoperative Iowa ankle score range was 84-94 (P < 0.05). In this cohort, 15 cases were rated as "excellent", and 6 cases as "good" on the Iowa ankle scoring system. CONCLUSION: The Masquelet technique combined with double plate fixation is a safe and effective method for the treatment of large segmental bone defects of the distal tibia.

Complications of antibiotic cement spacers used for elbow infections.

BACKGROUND: Antibiotic cement spacers have been widely used in the treatment of joint infections. There are no commercially available antibiotic spacers for the elbow. Instead, they are typically fashioned by the surgeon at the time of surgery using cement alone or a combination of cement with sutures, Steinmann pins, external fixator components, or elbow arthroplasty components. There is no consensus regarding the ideal elbow antibiotic spacer and no previous studies have examined the complications associated with these handmade implants in relation to their unique structural design. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 55 patients who had 78 static antibiotic cement spacers implanted between January 1998 and February 2021 as part of a 2-stage treatment plan for infection of an elbow arthroplasty, other elbow surgery, or primary elbow infection. Several antibiotic spacer structures were used during the study period. For analysis purposes, the spacers were classified into linked and unlinked spacers based on whether there was a linking mechanism between the humerus and the ulna. Complications related to these spacers that occurred either during the implantation, between implantation and removal, or during removal were recorded and analyzed from chart review and follow-up x rays. Reoperations due to spacer-related complications were also recorded. RESULTS: Among the 55 patients (78 spacers), there were 23 complications, including 17 minor and 6 major complications. The most common complication of unlinked spacers (intramedullary [IM] dowels, beads and cap spacer) was spacer displacement. Other complications included IM dowel fracture and difficulty locating beads during spacer removal. The major complications of linked cement spacers included two periprosthetic humerus fractures after internal external fixator cement spacers and re-operation due to breakage and displacement of one bushing cement spacer. The major complications of unlinked cement spacers included two reoperations due to IM dowel displacement and one reoperation due to displacement of beads. Among patients who had removal of all components and those with native joints, there was no statistically significant difference between internal external fixator cement spacers and unlinked cement spacers in minor complication rates (30% vs. 16%, P = .16), major complication rates (7% vs. 8%, P = .85) and reoperation rates (0% vs. 8%, P = .12). CONCLUSIONS: Static handmade antibiotic elbow spacers have unique complications related to their structural designs. The most common complication of linked and nonlinked cement spacers were failure of the linking mechanism and displacement, respectively. Surgeons should keep in mind the possible complications of different structures of cement spacers when choosing 1 antibiotic spacer structure over another.

Clinical outcomes of two-stage revision arthroplasty using a spiked tibial cement spacer in infected total knee arthroplasty.

PURPOSE: A tibial cement spacer (TCS) with spikes offers better initial stability than a conventional TCS and reduces spacer-related problems in two-stage revision total knee arthroplasty (R-TKA) for infection. We compared the clinical outcomes of two-stage revision arthroplasty for infected TKA using spiked TCS with that of conventional TCS. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included 29 patients who underwent two-stage revision arthroplasty using an articulating cement spacer and who could be followed up for at least one year. Group S comprised 14 patients using spiked TCS, whereas Group C comprised 15 patients using conventional TCS. Demographic data, the interval from first to second stage revision, motion arc, numerical rating scale (NRS), Knee Society (KS) score, serum levels of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP), and frequency of repeating the first-stage and infection recurrence after R-TKA between the groups were analyzed. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed in the female ratio and mean age between both groups. The mean interval between the first and second stage revision was significantly shorter in Group S than in Group C. The mean motion arc was significantly larger in Group S than in Group C. The mean NRS was significantly lower in Group S than in Group C. The mean KS score in Group S was significantly higher than that in Group C. Serum ESR and CRP levels did not differ between the groups. The frequency of repeating the first stage was lower in Group S than in Group C. However, the recurrence rate after R-TKA was higher in Group S than in Group C. CONCLUSION: Compared with conventional TCS, spiked TCS shortened the period until R-TKA and improved pain and function levels. However, no significant difference existed in the rate of infection recurrence after R-TKA.

Effect of cement spacer on fit accuracy and fracture strength of 3-unit and 4-unit zirconia frameworks.

BACKGROUND: Cement spacer is essential for compensating deformation of zirconia restoration after sintering shrinkage, allowing proper seating and better fracture resistance of the restoration. Studies assessing the effect of cement spacer on fit accuracy and fracture strength of zirconia frameworks are missing in the literature. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different cement spacer settings on fit accuracy and fracture strength of 3-unit and 4-unit zirconia frameworks. METHODS: Sixty standardized stainless-steel master dies were manufactured with 2 prepared abutments for fabricating 3-unit and 4-unit zirconia frameworks. The frameworks were assigned into 6 groups (n = 10) according to cement spacer setting (30 µm, 50 µm, and 80 µm) as follows: 3-unit frameworks; 3u-30, 3u-50, 3u-80, and 4-unit frameworks; 4u-30, 4u-50, and 4u-80. The frameworks were assessed for fit accuracy with the replica method. The specimens were cemented to their corresponding dies, and the fracture strength was measured in a universal testing machine. The Weibull parameters were calculated for the study groups and fractured specimens were inspected for failure mode. Two-Way ANOVA followed by Tukey test for pairwise comparison between study groups (α = 0.05). RESULTS: The cement spacer had a significant effect on both fit accuracy and fracture strength for 3-unit and 4-unit frameworks. The 50 µm spacer had significantly better fit accuracy followed by 80 µm, and 30 µm spacers. Both 50 µm and 80 µm spacers had similar fracture strength, and both had significantly better strength than 30 µm spacer. CONCLUSIONS: For both 3-unit and 4-unit zirconia frameworks, 50 µm cement spacer can be recommended over 30 µm and 80 µm spacers for significantly better fit accuracy and adequate fracture strength.

Utilizing an antibiotic-eluting articulated cemented spacer in the two-stage management of infected total hip arthroplasty: a technical note.

Two-stage revision is generally preferred to eradicate chronic periprosthetic infections after total hip arthroplasty (THA) because of its good infection control and promising results. During two-stage revision, a temporary antibiotic-impregnated cement spacer was initially used for the local delivery of antibiotics, thereby reducing the risk of infection recurrence. Many researchers have reported various techniques for fabricating cemented spacers; however, there is no established standard technique. We share our cost-effective and easily reproducible technique for creating an articulated cemented spacer for managing infected THA.

Histopathological assessment of a two-stage reconstructive procedure of the infected Charcot foot.

INTRODUCTION: Charcot neuropathic osteoarthropathy (CN) can be complicated by osteomyelitis (OM). Surgery is a standard procedure to treat OM including debridement and interposition of antibiotic-loaded cement (ABLC) spacer. The course of CN and OM was investigated on a histopathological level. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Diabetic patients (n = 15) suffering from CN and midfoot OM underwent surgical debridement and interposition of ABLC was interposed. 6 weeks later, ABLC was removed and bone samples were taken again. Histopathological Charcot Score (HCS), Histopathological Osteomyelitis Evaluation Score (HOES) and microbiological assessment were used to evaluate osteomyelitic and neuroosteoarthropathic activity at both time points. RESULTS: Interposition of ABLC leads to microbiological/histopathological eradication of OM in 73%/87% of patients. CN activity-measured by HCS-could be reduced from moderate to low activity by ABLC spacer and correlated with HOES. CONCLUSIONS: CN activity could be reduced by surgery. It can be suggested that neuroosteoarthropathic activity measured by HCS is triggered by OM.

Dead space management strategies in the treatment of chronic osteomyelitis: a retrospective review.

PURPOSE: Dead space management is critically important during the treatment of chronic osteomyelitis. Many dead space management strategies are available, each with their respective advantages and shortcomings. This study aims to present the outcomes and complications of dead space management strategies employed in the treatment of chronic osteomyelitis at a single tertiary level musculoskeletal unit. METHODS: A retrospective review of dead space management strategies employed at a tertiary-level musculoskeletal infection unit was conducted. Patients of any age treated for chronic osteomyelitis of the appendicular skeleton with a minimum follow-up of 6 months were included in the study. Data were collected regarding patient demographics, aetiology and site of infection, dead space management strategy employed, follow-up period and outcome in terms of resolution of infection. RESULTS: A final cohort of 132 patients underwent surgical treatment with a dedicated dead space management strategy for chronic osteomyelitis of the appendicular skeleton. Eleven patients (8%) experienced a recurrence of infection. Seven patients (63%) with recurrence were type B hosts, while four patients (37%) were type A hosts. CONCLUSION: Dead space management is an integral part of treating chronic osteomyelitis; however, no guidelines currently exist regarding the most appropriate strategy. Favourable results are achievable in low to middle-income countries, and it is evident that no dead space management strategy is superior to another. The pursuit for the ideal void filler is ongoing. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Risk factors of reinfection after prosthesis removal and antibiotic bone cement spacer implantation for the treatment of periprosthetic joint infection.

BACKGROUND: Prosthesis removal and antibiotic bone cement spacer implantation is a very important link in two-stage revision of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) after artificial joint replacement, which is key to the smooth progress of second-stage revision surgery. There are few reports on the risk factors of reinfection after prosthesis removal and antibiotic bone cement spacer implantation for PJI. This study aimed to investigate the risk factors of reinfection after prosthesis removal and antibiotic bone cement spacer implantation for the treatment of PJI. METHODS: Clinical data of 40 patients who underwent prosthesis removal and antibiotic bone cement spacer implantation for PJI after arthroplasty in our hospital from January 2013 to July 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. During the follow-up period of at least 2 years, 21 patients underwent complete two-stage revision after the removal of the antibiotic bone cement spacer, and 19 patients did not receive a new prosthesis due to other factors, such as reinfection or the patient's wishes, record the infection control of patients during the treatment. Reinfection after prosthesis removal and antibiotic bone cement spacer implantation was defined as failure of effective control of infection, symptoms of reinfection, requires increased antibiotic therapy or reoperation. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards model was used to analyze the risk factors associated with reinfection after prosthesis removal and antibiotic bone cement spacer implantation. RESULTS: Of the 40 patients, nine (22.5%) developed reinfection after prosthesis removal and antibiotic bone cement spacer implantation with a mean follow-up duration of 31 months, and multivariate analysis revealed that history of prior revision surgery (hazard ratio [HR] = 6.317, confidence interval [CI]: 1.495-26.700; p = 0.012) and presence of sinus tract before treatment (HR = 5.117, 95% CI: 1.199-21.828; p = 0.027) were independent risk factors for reinfection after prosthesis removal and antibiotic bone cement spacer implantation. CONCLUSION: History of prior revision surgery and presence of sinus tract are two independent risk factors for reinfection in patients with PJI treated with prosthesis removal and antibiotic bone cement spacer implantation.

Outcomes of modular endoprosthesis reconstruction versus cement spacer reconstruction following resection of proximal humeral tumors.

BACKGROUND: There is no agreement about the best reconstructive option following resection of proximal humerus tumors. The purpose of this study was to compare the functional outcomes of endoprosthesis reconstruction versus nail cement spacer reconstruction after wide resection of proximal humeral tumors. METHODS: This retrospective comparative study included 58 patients with proximal humerus tumors who had undergone tumor resection and reconstruction with modular endoprosthesis (humeral hemiarthroplasties) or cement spacer. Medical records were reviewed for the epidemiological, clinical, radiological, and operative data. Lung metastasis, local recurrence, and complication were also reviewed. The functional outcome was evaluated using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society scoring (MSTS) system. RESULTS: Nineteen patients with a mean age of 33.4 ± 17.5 years underwent reconstruction by modular endoprosthesis, and 39 patients with a mean age of 24.6 ± 14.3 years underwent reconstruction by cement spacer. The mean MSTS score was 24.8 ± 1.1 in the endoprosthesis group and 23.9 ± 1.4 in the spacer group, P = 0.018. Complications were reported in 5 (26.3%) patients in the endoprosthesis group and 11 (28.2%) patients in the spacer group, P = 0.879. There were no statistically significant differences in the functional outcomes in both patient groups with or without axillary or deltoid resection. CONCLUSIONS: Both endoprostheses and cement spacers are durable reconstructions with almost equal functional outcomes with no added advantage of the expensive endoprosthesis.

Does spiked tibial cement spacer reduce spacer-related problems in two-stage revision total knee arthroplasty for infection?

PURPOSE: Articulating cement spacers are frequently used in staged approaches for infected total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This study investigated whether a tibial cement spacer (TCS) with spikes could reduce spacer-related problems in two-stage revision TKA (R-TKA). METHODS: A total of 27 patients (27 knees; 10 men and 17 women) who underwent two-stage R-TKA for infected TKA were retrospectively analyzed. Group A comprised 12 patients who used TCS with spikes added to the bottom surface, whereas group B consisted of 15 patients who used conventional TCS with a flat bottom. For each group, plain radiographs were obtained after cement spacer implantation and before R-TKA to measure mediolateral (ML) translation and TCS's tilting angle. Patients' demographic data, ML translation of the TCS, and changes in the TCS's tilting angle between the groups were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean ML translation was significantly lower in group A than that in group B (1.7 mm vs. 5.4 mm, p = 0.04). The mean change in the tilting angle was significantly lower in group A than that in group B (4.5° vs. 19.4°, p = 0.047). CONCLUSION: The spiked TCS in two-stage R-TKA provides superior stability compared to the TCS with a conventional design.

Novel molded antibiotic cement spacer: is it better than handmade cement spacer for treatment of chronically infected total hip arthroplasty?

PURPOSE: A handmade antibiotic cement spacer is the easiest method for producing a spacer for treating chronic periprosthetic joint infection after total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, a molded spacer offers more head and stem sizes to match the patient's anatomy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the functional outcomes and complications between handmade and molded spacers. METHODS: This retrospective case note study compared the functional results, re-infection rate, and spacer related complications after the first stage and second stage exchange arthroplasty between a handmade spacer and a novel molded cement spacer with three sizes of femoral head (45, 50, and 55 mm) and two stem sizes (small, large). RESULTS: Fifteen chronically infected THA patients were identified: nine handmade and 6 molded spacers. The modified Harris Hip Score showed no inter-group differences pre-operatively and after first stage and second stage exchange arthroplasty. The erythrocyte sedimentary rates and C-reactive protein concentrations were similar at all time points, and there were no re-infections. The molded spacer group showed lower post-operative complications with no spacer fractures, spacer dislocations, and periprosthetic fractures, but two had spacer subsidence. The handmade spacer had two spacer fractures, one spacer dislocation with a periprosthetic femoral fracture, and four cases of spacer subsidence. CONCLUSION: Our small study showed no differences in functional outcomes and no re-infections in either group, but higher spacer-related complications occurred in the handmade spacer group. These data suggest molded spacers are better than handmade spacers.

Predictors of failure of two-stage revision in periprosthetic knee infection: a retrospective cohort study with a minimum two-year follow-up.

PURPOSE: Despite the standardization of two-stage knee revision protocols, a high percentage of failures still occurs. Identifying the predictors of failure is necessary to determine appropriate management and counsel for patients with a periprosthetic knee infection. This study aimed to identify risk factors predicting the failure, to describe implant survival, and to report the mid-term clinical outcomes of patients undergoing two-stage revision for periprosthetic knee infection. METHODS: Data of patients who underwent two-stage knee revision from 2012 to 2016 were analyzed, and 108 patients were included. The mean age was 66.6 ± 9.2 years. The mean follow-up was 52.9 ± 15.6 months. Logistic regression was conducted to identify predictors of treatment failure. Kaplan-Meier curves were generated to assess implant survival. Preoperative functional outcomes were compared to those registered at the final follow-up. RESULTS: Difficult-to-treat infections (OR = 4.2, 95% CI 1.2-14.5, p = 0.025), the number of previous surgeries (OR = 1.8, 95% CI 1.2-2.6, p = 0.005), and the level of tibial bone defect (OR = 2.3, 95% CI 1.1-4.7, p = 0.027) significantly predicted the failure of two-stage knee revision. Survivorship of implants was significantly lower for patients presenting these risk factors (p < 0.05). Mean Knee Society Score improved from 49.0 ± 12.0 to 80.2 ± 13.6 (p < 0.001). Mean Oxford Knee Score improved from 22.2 ± 4.9 to 36.1 ± 6.0 points (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Difficult-to-treat pathogens, the number of previous surgeries, and the level of tibial bone defect were independent risk factors of two-stage knee revision failure. Overall, the two-stage protocol provided a good survival rate and functional outcome.

Quality of life, infection control, and complication rates using a novel custom-made articulating hip spacer during two-stage revision for periprosthetic joint infection.

INTRODUCTION: Two-stage revision remains the gold standard treatment for most chronically infected and complex total hip arthroplasty infections. To improve patient outcome and reduce complication rates, we have developed a novel custom-made articulating hip spacer technique and present our short-term results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between November 2017 and November 2019, 27 patients (mean age 70 years) underwent two-stage revision for periprosthetic joint infection of the hip using the articulating spacer design described here. We retrospectively analyzed spacer-related complications as well as rates for complication, infection control, and implant survivorship after final reimplantation. Furthermore, we prospectively collected patient-reported health-related quality of life (HRQoL) scores prior to spacer implantation, with the spacer and after reimplantation of the new prosthesis. RESULTS: An additional round of spacer exchange was performed in two patients (8.3%), persistent wound discharge was the reason in both cases. We had one (4.2%) spacer-related mechanical complication, a dislocation that was treated with closed reduction. After reimplantation, infection control was achieved in 96% with an implant survivorship of 92% after a mean follow-up time of 19 (range 7-32, SD 7.2) months. While the scores for VR-12 MCS, VAS hip pain and patient-reported overall satisfaction significantly improved after first stage surgery, the scores for WOMAC, UCLA and VR-12 PCS significantly improved after second stage surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Our two-stage approach for periprosthetic joint infection shows high infection eradication and implant survivorship rates at short-term follow-up. Spacer-related complication rates were low, and we achieved high patient satisfaction rates and low pain levels already during the spacer period. To further simplify comparison between different spacer designs, we propose a new hip spacer classification system.

Clinical outcomes and survivorship of two-stage total hip or knee arthroplasty in septic arthritis: a retrospective analysis with a minimum five-year follow-up.

PURPOSE: Septic arthritis of the native joint is challenging for orthopedic surgeons because it may lead to wide bone defects and severe impairment of joint function. This study aimed to analyze clinical functional outcomes, the rate of infection eradication, and survival of implants of patients who underwent two-stage arthroplasty for septic arthritis of the hip and knee. METHODS: A retrospective single-centre analysis was conducted of patients treated for septic arthritis of the hip and knee joints through a two-stage surgery between 2012 and 2015. Clinical and radiological records were gathered from the prospectively collected Institutional Arthroplasty Registry. Patients' pre-operative Harris hip scores and Knee Society scores were compared with those obtained at the latest follow-up. Kaplan-Meier curves were generated to assess survival of implants. RESULTS: Forty-seven patients were included. The mean follow-up was 85.2 ± 15.4 months. The Harris hip score improved from 39.4 ± 9.9 to 84.5 ± 10.8 points (p < 0.001). The Knee Society score improved from 40.7 ± 8.4 to 86.0 ± 7.8 points (p < 0.001). Knee Society score-function increased from 25.7 ± 14.2 to 85.4 ± 23.4 points (p < 0.001). The infection eradication rates were 92.0% and 90.9% in patients who underwent hip and knee operation, respectively (p = 0.891). Overall survivorship of implants after the second stage was 93.6%. CONCLUSIONS: Two-stage arthroplasty provides good to excellent clinical outcomes in cases of active septic arthritis of the hip and the knee, high rates of infection control, and implant survival.

Induced Membrane Technique of Masquelet; A Viable Option in Treatment of Post-Trauma Segmental Bone Loss: A Case Report.

In trauma and orthopaedic practice, the management of segmental bone loss constitutes a major challenge to the surgeon. Several methods have been employed in bone reconstruction with varying objectives depending on the size of the defect in question. A gap of not more than 2cm may benefit from acute docking and fixation, 4cm gap can be managed by non-vascularized structural or non-structural graft with fixation. Gaps of more than 4cm can be managed by numerous options which include allograft, vascularized structural graft and distraction osteogenesis with either linear rail system (LRS) or Ilizarov device. Masquelet technique of induced membrane formation is used to bridge a gap of more than 5cm and up to 25cm using bone cement as a spacer in first stage and use of autologous cancellous bone graft in the second stage.

En traumatologie et en orthopédie, la prise en charge de la perte osseuse segmentaire constitue un défi majeur pour la chirurgien. Plusieurs méthodes ont été employées dans la reconstruction d'os avec des objectifs variables en fonction de la taille du défaut en question. Un écart de pas plus de 2 cm peut en bénéficier de l'amarrage et de la fixation aigus, un écart de 4 cm peut être géré par structurelle non vascularisée ou greffe non structurelle avec fixation. Les espaces de plus de 4 cm peuvent être gérés par de nombreux options qui incluent allogreffe, greffe structurelle vascularisée et ostéogenèse par distraction avec l'un ou l'autre des systèmes de rails linéaires (LRS) ou appareil Ilizarov. Technique de Masquelet d'induit la formation de la membrane est utilisée pour combler un espace de plus de 5 cm et jusqu'à 25 cm en utilisant du ciment osseux comme espaceur dans la première étape et l'utilisation d'une greffe d'os spongieux autologue dans la deuxième étape. Mots clés: Défaut osseux segmentaire, ostéogenèse par distraction, technique de membrane induite, espaceur de ciment osseux.

Is short-course systemic antibiotic therapy using an antibiotic-loaded cement spacer safe after resection for infected total knee arthroplasty? A comparative study.

BACKGROUD/PURPOSE: Most patients who undergo two-stage exchange arthroplasty surgery for total knee arthroplasty prosthetic joint infection (TKA-PJI) receive a six-week course of systemic antibiotic treatment after the first stage procedure. However, the optimal duration of therapy has not been conclusively determined. METHODS: We included 64 patients with periprosthetic knee infection who had undergone two-stage exchange arthroplasty. Between March 2003 and December 2009, 21 patients were given a short-course (less than 1 week) antibiotic treatment, and 43 were given a standard-course (4-6 weeks) treatment during the interim period. We compared length of hospital stay, duration of intravenous and overall systemic antibiotic treatments, and rate of recurrent periprosthetic knee infection between groups. RESULTS: Short-course antibiotic treatment was associated with a shorter hospital stay and a shorter duration of intravenous and systemic antibiotic treatment. Implant survival regarding re-resection arthroplasty and chronic oral antibiotic suppression as primary endpoints was not significant different statistically between two groups (p = 0.317). The 1-year implant survival rates were 91.7% in the short-course group and 89.8% in the standard-course group. The 5-year implant survival rates were 85.2% and 74.0%, respectively. CONCLUSION: After the first stage of resection arthroplasty for a two-stage exchange arthroplasty, a short course of antibiotic treatment had similar implant survival rates in comparison to the standard 6-week course. With radical debridement combined with an antibiotic-loaded cement spacer along with serial monitoring of the patient, a short course antibiotic treatment may be adequate in patients with TKA-PJI.

Surgical Options and Approaches for Septic Arthritis of the Native Hip and Knee Joint.

Septic arthritis (SA) of the adult knee and hip is a constantly evolving and urgent surgical issue. The epidemiology has shifted over the last few decades as have the most popular antibiotics and surgical treatments. SA of all types is increasing in the United States. There remains a high variability in the conservative and surgical management options available. This review will outline the most current understanding of the etiology and epidemiology of SA and will also discuss the distribution of causative organisms and appropriate treatments for each. A summary of evidence for different debridement and reconstructive techniques will also be presented in addition to novel areas of research to decrease the morbidity of this constantly growing problem.

A Novel Technique for Creating an Articulating Cement Spacer for Ankle Prosthetic Joint Infections.

Total ankle arthroplasty has been increasing as a treatment for end-stage ankle arthritis. With this increase, the incidence of total ankle prosthetic infections will also increase. Treatment of these infections depends on the duration of symptoms and whether the infection is acute or chronic in presentation. The treatment of choice for chronic infections is a 2-stage procedure, the removal of implants and placement of a static cement spacer. We describe a technique for creating an articulating antibiotic cement spacer through an anterior approach in a patient with an infected total ankle arthroplasty. The articulating antibiotic cement spacer allows high doses of local antibiotics, decreases soft tissue contractures, and allows continued motion of the joint.

Failure After 2-Stage Exchange Arthroplasty for Treatment of Periprosthetic Joint Infection: The Role of Antibiotics in the Cement Spacer.

BACKGROUND: Failure after a 2-stage exchange surgery for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is high. Previous studies demonstrated that positive cultures at reimplantation are associated with failure afterward. The aim of this multicenter study was to define the role of antibiotics in the cement spacer in relation to reimplantation cultures and subsequent failure. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 2-stage exchange procedures between 2000 and 2015. Culture-negative PJIs, cases in which no cultures were obtained during reimplantation, and cases without data on cement spacers were excluded. RESULTS: Three hundred forty-four cases were included. The rate of positive cultures during reimplantation was 9.5% for cement spacers containing a glycopeptide (27/284) (with or without an aminoglycoside) vs 21.7% for those containing monotherapy with an aminoglycoside (13/60) (P = .008), and was mostly attributed by a reduction in coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) (17% vs 2%, P < .001). The failure rate was >2-fold higher at 40.0% (16/40) in cases with positive cultures at reimplantation compared to 15.8% (48/304) for those with negative cultures (P < .001). Overall, a glycopeptide in the cement spacer was not associated with a lower failure rate (18% vs 23%, P = .3), but was associated with lower failure due to CoNS (2.5% vs 13.3%, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: In a 2-stage exchange procedure for PJI, adding a glycopeptide to the cement spacer reduces the rate of positive cultures during reimplantation and is associated with a lower failure rate due to CoNS afterward.