Revision of Infected Total Knee Arthroplasty: Two-Stage Reimplantation Using an Antibiotic-Impregnated Static Spacer

BACKGROUND: A two-stage revision remains as the "gold standard" treatment for chronically infected total knee arthroplasties. METHODS: Forty-five septic knee prostheses were revised with a minimum follow-up of 5 years. Static antibiotic-impregnated cement spacers were used in all cases. Intravenous antibiotics according to sensitivity test of the culture were applied during patients' hospital stay. Oral antibiotics were given for another 5 weeks. Second-stage surgery was undertaken after control of infection with normal erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein values. Extensile techniques were used if needed and metallic augments were employed for bone loss in 32 femoral and 29 tibial revisions. RESULTS: The average interval between the first-stage resection and reimplantation was 4.4 months. Significant improvement was obtained with respect to visual analog scale pain and clinical and functional scores, and infection was eradicated in 95.6% of cases following a two-stage revision total knee arthroplasty. Radiographic evaluation showed suitable alignment without signs of mechanical loosening. CONCLUSIONS: This technique is a reasonable procedure to eradicate chronic infection in knee arthroplasty and provides proper functional and clinical results. However, it sometimes requires extensile surgical approaches that could imply arduous surgeries. Metallic augments with cementless stems available in most of the knee revision systems are a suitable alternative to handle bone deficiencies, avoiding the use of bone allografts with its complications.

Early Postoperative Complications of Calcaneal Fractures Following Operative Treatment by a Lateral Extensile Approach

PURPOSE: To analyze early postoperative complications of calcaneal fractures operated by a lateral extensile approach and to identify risk factors for wound complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From July 1990 to February 2003, 116 calcaneal fractures in 104 patients were treated by open reduction and internal fixation through a lateral extensile approach. The patient's records were reviewed for early postoperative complications. Statistical analysis was performed to determine significant relationships between predicted variables and the development of wound complications. RESULTS: Fourteen fractures (12.0%) developed infection. Ten of them were superficial infection and four were deep infection that required surgical treatment. Eight fractures (6.9%) developed skin necrosis. Six of them were marginal skin necrosis and two were flap necrosis that required surgical treatment. Seven fractures (6.0%) developed sural nerve injury, but their symptoms were improved without additional treatment. Open fracture (p=0.003) and prolonged operating time (p=0.049) increased significantly the rate of wound complications. CONCLUSION: The rate of early postoperative complications of calcaneal fractures operated by a lateral extensile approach is high. These complications can be reduced by meticulous treatment of an open wound, reduced operating time within 90 minutes through preoperative planning and skillful technique, and correct incision to avoid damage of the sural nerve.

Surgical Treatment of Comminuted Supracondylar and Intercondylar Fractures of the Femur in Adults Using the Extensile Approach / 대한정형외과학회잡지

From January 1985, to June 1986, 7 cases in which supracondylar and intercondylar fractures of the femur were treated at our orthopaedic department using the Extensile Approach for an anatomical reduction and firm internal fixstion, show successful results in follow up stuides. l. All 7 cases were type III fractures of Neers classification. 2. Among the 7 cases treated surgically using the Extensile Approach, 5 cases showed excellent and good results and the remaining 2 csses showed one fair and one failed results. 3. Probably due to the additional open proximal tibia and patella fracture and delayed surgery from trauma one case had a fair results. The case which failed wss due to ipsilsteral ligamentous injuries and a nerve injury in addition to the femur fracture and slso the impossibility of early knee joint exercise due to associated injuries. 4. None of the results of the 7 csses had any relationship with the patients age. 5. One case of postoperative skin necrosis developed around the tibial tuberosity and was treated successfully by a cross leg flap. 6. In comminuted supracondylar and intercondylar fractures of the femur, the Extensile Approach is thought to be an excellent surgical technique by means of a wide surgical field for an anatomical reduction and firm internal fixation with the repair of associated ligamentous injuries.