title: The outcome of infected arthroplasty of the knee.
abstract: In order to define the predisposing factors and outcome of infected arthroplasty of the knee, a retrospective analysis of a consecutive series of 471 knee arthroplasties was performed. There were 23 cases of superficial wound infection and 25 of deep infection. Superficial wound infection alone resulted in a painfree gait, with little limitation of movement. Rheumatoid arthritis, the use of constrained prostheses and the presence of a superficial wound infection, all predisposed to deep infection. Deep infection was eradicated by long-term antibiotics in only two patients in whom skin cover was successfully provided by a gastrocnemius musculocutaneous flap. Excision of a sinus track, wound debridement and exchange arthroplasty were universally unsuccessful. Arthrodesis, however, in 11 out of 12 cases, provided the painfree gait these patients desire.
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D001174:Arthrodesis; D006801:Humans; D007720:Knee Prosthesis; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D011292:Premedication; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000150:complications / Q000517:prevention & control*
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents