title: Antibiotic-loaded articulating cement spacer in the 2-stage exchange of infected total knee arthroplasty.
abstract: An antibiotic-loaded articulating cement spacer (ALACS) was used in the 2-stage exchange of infected total knee arthroplasty. Specially designed molds produced articulating femoral and tibial spacer components. Twenty-four consecutive patients were followed for an average of 33 months (range, 28-51 months). Two patients (8%) had a persistent infection after the first stage. Twenty-two patients (92%) underwent a successful 2-stage exchange. Minimal soft-tissue contracture and minimal bone loss were encountered during reimplantation. None of these patients developed a recurrent or persistent infection. The average postoperative knee flexion was 104 degrees (range, 89 degrees-122 degrees). The average Hospital for Special Surgery score was 82 (range, 63-96). The ALACS spacer preserved knee function between stages, resulting in effective treatment of infection, facilitation of reimplantation, and improved patient satisfaction.
authors.affiliation: Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Albany Medical Center, New York, USA.
authors.forename: Sridhar M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Durbhakula
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Czajka
authors.forename: Marc D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Fuchs
authors.forename: Richard L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Uhl
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D019645:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee / Q000295:instrumentation*; D001843:Bone Cements; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007720:Knee Prosthesis / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D016459:Prosthesis-Related Infections / Q000382:microbiology / Q000601:surgery*; D012086:Reoperation; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D001843:Bone Cements