At first-stage revision surgery for infection of total knee arthroplasties, antibiotic-impregnated cement spacers are frequently implanted. Two types of cement spacers are commonly used, “static” and “articulating” cement spacers. Advocates of cement spacers state that they deliver high doses of antibiotics locally, increase patient comfort, allow mobility and provide joint stability. They also minimize contracture of collateral ligaments, thereby facilitating re-implantation of a definitive prosthesis at a later stage. The use of these cement spacers, however, are not without significant complications, including patella tendon injuries. We describe a series of three patients who sustained patella tendon injuries in infected total knee arthroplasties following the use of a static cement spacer at first-stage knee revision. The patella tendon injuries resulted in significant compromise to wound healing and knee stability requiring multiple surgeries. The mid-term function was poor with an Oxford score at 24 months ranging from 12–20 Based on our experience, we advise caution in the use of static cement spacer blocks. If they are to be used, we recommend that they should be keyed in the bone to prevent patella tendon injuries.
Joint degeneration may make a total knee arthroplasty (TKA) a requirement for pain relief and function. However, the presence of ipsilateral limb osteomyelitis (OM) makes surgical management extremely challenging. We report the experience of a high volume revision knee surgeon managing ipsilateral limb multi resistant OM and the outcome of subsequent TKA. Four consecutive patients were identified who had either ipsilateral femoral or tibial chronic osteomyelitis treated prior to undergoing TKA. Surgery to eradicate the osteomyelitis involved a Lautenbach compartmental debridement, and where necessary, healing by secondary intention. The decision to proceed to a TKA was based on history, clinical examination and radiological findings of advanced osteoarthritic change. The patients had a mean age of 50 years. They had a background of multi-organism OM and underwent single-stage TKAs at an average of 63 months following eradication of the underlying OM. Three patients did well but had complications associated with poor skin and soft tissues, and abnormal bone anatomy. One patient developed an infection and following a re-revision had an arthrodesis. The results for the four cases are summarised in Table 1. We have highlighted that patients with ipsilateral limb multi resistant OM are a difficult cohort to manage.
