Total knee arthroplasty infection: significance of delayed aspiration.
The records of 35 patients with total knee arthroplasty infection were reviewed to investigate the significance of delayed aspiration and the success of treatment. In 13 patients, aspiration was performed within 3 months after the onset of symptoms of infection. The median duration of treatment was 243 days, and infection was arrested in all patients. In 22 patients, aspiration was performed >3 months after the onset of symptoms. The duration of treatment was significantly longer in these patients (P<.001). Persistent infection was recorded in 8 patients, and amputation of the involved leg was done in 3 patients. Aspiration within 3 months after the onset of symptoms of infection significantly reduced the duration of treatment and increased the chances of successfully arresting infection.
Bach
Christian Michael
CM
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria. christian.bach@uibk.ac.uk
Sturmer
Rosemarie
R
Nogler
Michael
M
Wimmer
Cornelius
C
Biedermann
Rainer
R
Krismer
Martin
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D019645:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee; D001431:Bacteriological Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016459:Prosthesis-Related Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000628:therapy; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013396:Suction; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome