Deep infection in Charnley low-friction arthroplasty. Comparison of plain and gentamicin-loaded cement.
A retrospective review of 1542 Charnley low-friction arthroplasties was carried out to compare the incidence of deep infection arising after plain and gentamicin-containing acrylic cement. There was no significant difference between the two series in primary operations, the infection rate being 1.72% and 1.65% respectively. However, in secondary operations (conversions and revisions) the gentamicin-containing cement gave significantly better results--a 0.81% infection rate as compared with 3.46%. All operations were performed in a clean air enclosure using total-body exhaust suits. Radiological diagnosis of deep infection was possible within one year of operation in all cases. Late haematogenous infection occurred in one case and was related to a skin lesion.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000985:Antisepsis / Q000379:methods; D001843:Bone Cements / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005839:Gentamicins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006622:Hip Prosthesis; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010019:Osteomyelitis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012086:Reoperation; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D001843:Bone Cements; D005839:Gentamicins