Acetabular Screws With Cement Augment for Tibial Plateau Defects in Dynamic Spacer Implantation: A Case of Recalcitrant Native Knee Septic Arthritis

Abstract

Treating tibial bone defects in the setting of recalcitrant native knee arthritis presents a challenging biomechanical problem for orthopaedic surgeons. A dynamic antibiotic spacer offers an effective solution to preserve patient function and manage infection. However, severe bone loss may compromise the fixation of the dynamic spacer. We describe the application of acetabular screws as rebar in a case of an Anderson Orthopaedic Research Institute type 3 defect of the medial tibial plateau. Additionally, we outline a facile method for fabricating the tibial stem component to ensure optimal fit within the intramedullary canal. Short-term follow-up (8 months) indicates successful fixation of the tibial component, absence of knee pain, and a knee range of motion up to 100 degrees.

Keywords

• Dynamic antibiotic spacer
• Cement augmentation
• Knee arthroplasty
• Rebar
• Infection management
• Tibial bone defect