Infected Total Knee Replacements.
Deep infection is a devastating complication following total knee arthroplasty. Prompt diagnosis and definitive treatment of this complication are essential for a successful outcome. The treatment options for an infected total knee replacement include (1) antibiotic suppression alone; (2) aggressive wound debridement, drainage, and antibiotic suppression therapy; (3) resection arthroplasty; (4) arthrodesis; (5) two-stage reimplantation; and (6) amputation. Successful salvage of this complication can be accomplished only by extensive investment of surgical and infectious disease efforts in eradicating the infection. Two-stage reimplantation has been the most successful functional option and should be used whenever possible to definitively eradicate the infection and ensure good function of the knee joint.
Windsor
RE
Cornell University Medical College, New York, The Hospital for Special Surgery, New York.
Bono
JV