Anaerobic infection after total hip replacement. Report of three cases.

In a series of 387 consecutive total hip replacements there were nine infections (2.3% infection rate). Three of the infections were caused by an anaerobic gram positive cocci, Peptococcus. This is an increased incidence of infection for this previously rare pathogen. The anaerobic infections occurred despite prophylactic antibiotic coverage with Keflin. No causative factors such as hospital, operating time, operating personnel, medical disease, or blood loss could be associated with the observed anaerobic infections. Two of the anaerobic infections appeared late. This is consistent with other reports of anaerobic infections in implants. Drainage after total hip arthroplasty operation must be cultured for anaerobes as well as aerobes, especially late infections in patients on prophylactic antibiotics. Drainage which is sterile to aerobic culture should alert the physician to a possible anaerobic infection.

Unicameral bone cyst in the scapula.

This is a case report of a 21 year old man with a unicameral bone cyst of the scapula. The occurrence here, as in other flat bones, is rare. The unusual location presents a diagnostic problem, but as in other flat bones, the prognosis after treatment by bone grafting is very good.

UCI knee replacement.

Between March 9, 1972 and December 31, 1973, a total of 103 UCI knee replacements were performed. Follow-up data are available on 83 knees with an average follow-up of 33 months. Patient evaluation of the end results indicates that 78.3 per cent were better, 9.6 per cent unchanged, and 12.1 per cent worse. Patient evaluation of their own knee function averaged 55 per cent preoperatively and 79 per cent postoperatively. Patients were also evaluated on a 100 point Modified Larson Analysis Form. The average preoperative score was 46, and the average postoperative score was 70. There were six (5.8%) biological complications in the 103 knee replacement. Biological complications included infections, wound healing problems and unexplained pain. Mechanical complications were seen in 18 (17.4%) knees, and included knee instability, tibial component loosening or deformation, and patellar problems. Additional surgery was required in 18 (17.4%) knees. Failure of the procedure eventually requiring removal of the prosthesis and fusion or amputation occurred in 4 (3.9%) knees. The intermediate-term results of UCI knee replacement have been clinically satisfactory. We currently recommend consideration of this procedure for patients with disabling arthritis of the knee.