Two Stage Reimplantation in Infected Total Knee Arthroplasty Using an Articulating Antibiotics Impregnated Cement Spacer: Surgical Technique

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical result of two stage reimplantation of infected total knee arthroplasties, using an antibiotics impregnated articulating cement spacer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Out of total 7 cases with infected total knee arthroplasties, 4 cases treated with two stage reimplantation, using an antibiotics impregnated articulating cement spacer were included in this study. After the treatment of infected total knee arthroplasties, the treatment of infection was evaluated by physical examination, radiologic studies, and hematologic studies. The results were evaluated using the Hospital for Special Surgery Knee Score (HSS). RESULTS: As results, 4 infected knee cases treated with two stage reimplantation did not have reinfection at the time of the follow up, and physical, laboratory, and radiologic studies were all within normal range. The range of motion of the reimplanted knees were from -5degrees in extension to 130 degrees in flexion, with an average of 117 degrees. The average score of the Hospital for Special Surgery Knee Score was 87. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, two stage arthroplasties, using antibiotics impregnated articulating cement spacer was an effective therapy not only for the treatment of the infection after the total knee arthroplasty but also effectiveness for recovery of the knee function.