Articulating, stemmed, antibiotic-impregnated cement spacer using new real components for the treatment of prosthetic knee joint infection

Abstract

Background: Implantation of an antibiotic-impregnated cement spacer following the explantation is a well-accepted treatment strategy for periprosthetic knee joint infection. The indications for static knee spacers are limited owing to increased incidence of joint stiffness, fractures, dislocations with restriction in weight-bearing. The use of real components by autoclaving the explanted components and using them with antibiotic cement to prepare an articulating cement spacer has been described with a good outcome. Methods and results: Here we present our experience of a modified technique (in three cases) for the preparation of an articulating, stemmed, antibiotic-impregnated cement spacer using new real components. This technique was found to be easily reproducible and allows a functional range of motion and full weight-bearing. Conclusion: Using real components of TKR, with Ilizarov's components and tension band wire makes a very simple and elegant mobile spacer which has benefits of vastly improved function and good infection control during the intermediate phase and ease of surgery in the second stage.

Keywords

• Prosthetic knee joint infection
• Revision knee replacement
• Two-stage revision knee replacement
• Articulating antibiotic cement knee spacer