title: Antibiotic-loaded bone cement spacers in two-stage management of infected total knee arthroplasty.
abstract: We reviewed the current use of spacers in the management of the infected knee prosthesis. There are two types of temporary spacers: block or non-articulating spacers and articulating or mobile spacers. Generally, spacers improve mobilisation and hasten recovery with shorter hospital stay between stages. Furthermore, spacers facilitate the second-stage procedure by maintaining joint space, and articulating spacers may also maintain range of motion. Last but not the least, the cost of spacers represents only a small fraction of the total expenses for management of infected knee arthroplasties.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, South Auckland Clinical School, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand. RPitto@middlemore.co.nz
authors.forename: R P
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Pitto
authors.forename: I A
authors.initials: IA
authors.lastname: Spika
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D019645:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee; D001843:Bone Cements; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D006801:Humans; D007720:Knee Prosthesis / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007902:Length of Stay; D016459:Prosthesis-Related Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012092:Replantation; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D001843:Bone Cements