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°(range, 89°-122°). 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.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 768-774 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Journal of Arthroplasty |
Volume | 19 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Sep 2004 |
Keywords
- 2-stage exchange
- ALACS
- articulating spacer
- infection
- total knee arthroplasty
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Orthopedics and Sports Medicine