RESUMEN
Objective To compare the efficacy of self-made bone cement spacers containing vancomycin(vancomycin spacer)and Link infection-treating spacers(Link type spacer)for chronic infection after total hip arthroplasty(HTA)and investigate the choice of spacers for the two-stage revision of infection.Methods The study included 26 patients with infection combined with HTA,aged 32-82 years(mean 69.5 years).In the first stage,after complete debridement and removal of infected prostheses,the vancomycin spacers were implanted in 14 patients,while the Link type spacers were implanted in the rest 12 patients.Two weeks of intravenous administration of antibiotics and then six weeks of oral administration of antibiotics were done postoperatively.White blood cells(WBCs),erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR)and C-reactive protein(CRP)were measured periodically after operation.THA revision was performed in the second stage.Clinical outcomes were evaluated according to the pre-and post-operative Harris hip score.Results All patients obtained primary healing of incision after complete debridement,removal of prostheses and implant of the vancomycin spacers or the Link type spacers.Two-stage revision surgery was performed at 3-11.5 months after the one-stage surgery(mean 5.2 months).The follow-up ranging from 12 to 33 months(mean 20.8 months)manifested no signs of reinfection.The mean Harris hip score was increased from 27.9 points before one-stage operation to 52.9 points before two-stage operation,and 83.6 points at the latest follow-up(P＜0.05)One of 12 vancomycin spacers was broken before the revision surgery,as was free from the Link spacers.Conclusions(Ⅰ)Two-stage revision is an effective method in the treatment of infection after HTA because of high eradication rate of infection,effective pain relief and good postoperative functional result.(2)The vancomycin spacers and the Link type spacers can both effectively control infection and restore part of limb function.(3)The Link type spacers take advantages of simple in operation and the function improvement of the limbs during the intermittent period of treatment,but disadvantages of the catheters being prone to block,limited slow release of antibiotics and high cost of treatment.Thereby,the Link type spacer is suitable for the patients with relatively strong constitution,little serious infection,or high requirement of limb functions at the interval of two operations.