title: Vacuum-assisted closure in the treatment of early hip joint infections.
abstract: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of the vacuum-assisted closure (V.A.C.) system in the treatment of early hip joint infections. 28 patients (11 m/17 f; mean age 71 y. [43-84]) with early hip joint infections have been treated by means of the V.A.C.-therapy. At least one surgical revision [1-7] has been unsuccessfully performed for infection treatment prior to V.A.C.-application. Pathogen organisms could have been isolated in 22/28 wounds. During revision, cup inlay and prosthesis head have been exchanged and 1-3 polyvinylalcohol sponges inserted into the wound cavity/ periprosthetically at an initial continuous pressure of 200 mm Hg. Postoperatively, a systemic antibiosis was given according to antibiogram. 48-72 h after surgery an alteration from haemorrhagic to serous fluid was observed in the V.A.C.-canister. Afterwards, the pressure was decreased to 150 mm Hg and remained at this level till sponge removal. After a mean period of 9 [3-16] days the inflammation parameters have been retrogressive and the sponges were removed. An infection eradication could be achieved in 26/28 cases. In the two remaining cases the infected prosthesis had to be explanted and a gentamicin-vancomycin-loaded spacer has been implanted, respectively. At a total mean follow-up of 36 [12-87] months no reinfection or infection persistence was observed. The V.A.C.-system can be a valuable contribution in the treatment of early joint infections when properly used. Indications should be early infections with well-maintained soft-tissues for retention of the negative atmospheric pressure.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University Hospital, Saarland University, Homburg/Saar, Germany.
authors.forename: Jens
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kelm
authors.forename: Eduard
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Schmitt
authors.forename: Konstantinos
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Anagnostakos
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D019644:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006621:Hip Joint / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D054843:Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*