Aims. To describe the risk of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) and reoperation in patients who have an acute, traumatic wound dehiscence following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods. From January 2002 to December 2018, 16,134 primary TKAs were performed at a single institution. A total of 26 patients (0.1%) had a traumatic wound dehiscence within the first 30 days. Mean age was 68 years (44 to 87), 38% (n = 10) were female, and mean BMI was 34 kg/m. 2. (23 to 48). Median time to dehiscence was 13 days (interquartile range (IQR) 4 to 15). The dehiscence resulted from a fall in 22 patients and sudden flexion after staple removal in four. The arthrotomy was also disrupted in 58% (n = 15), including a complete extensor mechanism disruption in four knees. An irrigation and debridement with component retention (IDCR) was performed within 48 hours in 19 of 26 knees and two-thirds were discharged on antibiotic therapy. The mean follow-up was six years (2 to 15). The association of wound dehiscence and the risk of developing a PJI was analyzed. Results. Patients who sustained a traumatic wound dehiscence had a 6.5-fold increase in the risk of PJI (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.6 to 26.2; p = 0.008). With the small number of PJIs, no variables were found to be significant risk factors. However, there were no PJIs in any of the patients who were treated with IDCR and a course of antibiotics. Three knees required reoperation including one two-stage exchange for PJI, one repeat IDCR for PJI, and one revision for aseptic loosening of the tibial component. Conclusion. Despite having a traumatic wound dehiscence, the risk of PJI was low, but much higher than experienced in all other TKAs during the same period. We recommend urgent IDCR and a course of postoperative antibiotics to decrease the risk of PJI. A traumatic wound dehiscence increases risk of PJI by 6.5-fold. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(6 Supple A):191–195

Aims. Fungal prosthetic joint infections (PJIs) are rare and account for about 1% of total PJIs. Our aim was to present clinical and microbiological results in treating these patients with a two-stage approach and antifungal spacers. Patients and Methods. We retrospectively reviewed our institutional database and identified 26 patients with positive fungal cultures and positive Musculoskeletal Infection Society (MSIS) criteria for PJI who were treated between 2009 and 2017. We identified 18 patients with total hip arthroplasty (THA) and eight patients with total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The surgical and antifungal treatment, clinical and demographic patient data, complications, relapses, and survival were recorded and analyzed. Results. The median follow-up was 33 months. The success rate was 38.5% (10/26). Fluconazole resistance was found in 15%. Bacterial co-infection was common in 44% of patients for THA and 66% of patients with TKA. Mortality, reoperations, and treatment failure were common complications. Conclusion. Treatment with a two-stage exchange is a possible option for treatment, although fungal infections have a high failure rate. Therapeutic factors for treatment success remain unclear. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:589–595

Objectives. The optimal protocol for antibiotic loading in the articulating cement spacers for the treatment of prosthetic joint infection (PJI) remains controversial. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of articulating cement spacers loaded with a new combination of antibiotics. Methods. A retrospective cohort study involving 114 PJI cases treated with implantation of an articulating cement spacer between 2005 and 2016 was performed. The treatment outcomes of the conventional protocol (i.e. gentamicin and vancomycin (GV protocol)) were compared with those reported using the sophisticated antibiotic-loading protocol (i.e. vancomycin, meropenem, and amphotericin (VMA protocol)). Results. There were 62 and 52 PJI cases treated with the GV and VMA protocols, respectively. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed that 22/78 of all isolates (28.2%) in this series were resistant to gentamicin, whereas there were no vancomycin-, meropenem-, or amphotericin-resistant strains. The overall infection recurrence rates were 17.7% (11/62) and 1.9% (1/52), respectively (p = 0.006). In patients with a negative preoperative culture, there was no infection recurrence reported in the VMA cohort (0/45 (0%) vs 10/54 (18.5%) in the GV cohort; p = 0.002). Multivariate analysis indicated that the VMA protocol correlated with a decreased risk of infection recurrence compared with the GV protocol (p = 0.025). Conclusion. The sophisticated VMA protocol for the loading of antibiotics in articulating cement spacers, as part of a two-stage exchange, was associated with a reduced rate of infection recurrence. This proposed protocol appears to be safe and effective, especially in patients with negative culture results prior to the first-stage operation. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2019;8:526–534

Objectives. The optimal protocol for antibiotic loading in the articulating cement spacers for the treatment of prosthetic joint infection (PJI) remains controversial. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of articulating cement spacers loaded with a new combination of antibiotics. Methods. A retrospective cohort study involving 114 PJI cases treated with implantation of an articulating cement spacer between 2005 and 2016 was performed. The treatment outcomes of the conventional protocol (i.e. gentamicin and vancomycin (GV protocol)) were compared with those reported using the sophisticated antibiotic-loading protocol (i.e. vancomycin, meropenem, and amphotericin (VMA protocol)). Results. There were 62 and 52 PJI cases treated with the GV and VMA protocols, respectively. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed that 22/78 of all isolates (28.2%) in this series were resistant to gentamicin, whereas there were no vancomycin-, meropenem-, or amphotericin-resistant strains. The overall infection recurrence rates were 17.7% (11/62) and 1.9% (1/52), respectively (p = 0.006). In patients with a negative preoperative culture, there was no infection recurrence reported in the VMA cohort (0/45 (0%) vs 10/54 (18.5%) in the GV cohort; p = 0.002). Multivariate analysis indicated that the VMA protocol correlated with a decreased risk of infection recurrence compared with the GV protocol (p = 0.025). Conclusion. The sophisticated VMA protocol for the loading of antibiotics in articulating cement spacers, as part of a two-stage exchange, was associated with a reduced rate of infection recurrence. This proposed protocol appears to be safe and effective, especially in patients with negative culture results prior to the first-stage operation. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2019;8:526–534

Aims. In 2013, we introduced a specialized, centralized, and interdisciplinary team in our institution that applied a standardized diagnostic and treatment algorithm for the management of prosthetic joint infections (PJIs). The hypothesis for this study was that the outcome of treatment would be improved using this approach. Patients and Methods. In a retrospective analysis with a standard postoperative follow-up, 95 patients with a PJI of the hip and knee who were treated with a two-stage exchange between 2013 and 2017 formed the study group. A historical cohort of 86 patients treated between 2009 and 2011 not according to the standardized protocol served as a control group. The success of treatment was defined according to the Delphi criteria in a two-year follow-up. Results. Patients in the study group had a significantly higher Charlson Comorbidity Index (3.9 vs 3.1; p = 0.009) and rate of previous revisions for infection (52.6% vs 36%; p = 0.025), and tended to be older (69.0 vs 66.2 years; p = 0.075) with a broader polymicrobial spectrum (47.3% vs 33.7%; p = 0.062). The rate of recurrent infection (3.1% vs 10.4%; p = 0.048) and the mean time interval between the two stages of the procedure (66.6 vs 80.7 days; p < 0.001) were reduced significantly in the study group compared with the control group. Conclusion. We were able to show that the outcome following the treatment of PJIs of the hip and knee is better when managed in a separate department with an interdisciplinary team using a standard algorithm

Aims. Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) occurs in approximately 1% to 2% of total knee arthroplasties (TKA) presenting multiple challenges, such as difficulty in diagnosis, technical complexity, and financial costs. Two-stage exchange is the gold standard for treating PJI but emerging evidence suggests 'two-in-one' single-stage revision as an alternative, delivering comparable outcomes, reduced morbidity, and cost-effectiveness. This study investigates five-year results of modified single-stage revision for treatment of PJI following TKA with bone loss. Methods. Patients were identified from prospective data on all TKA patients with PJI following the primary procedure. Inclusion criteria were: revision for PJI with bone loss requiring reconstruction, and a minimum five years’ follow-up. Patients were followed up for recurrent infection and assessment of function. Tools used to assess function were Oxford Knee Score (OKS) and American Knee Society Score (AKSS). Results. A total of 24 patients were included with a mean age of 72.7 years (SD 7.6), mean BMI of 33.3 kg/m. 2. (SD 5.7), and median ASA grade of 2 (interquartile range 2 to 4). Mean time from primary to revision was 3.0 years (10 months to 8.3 years). At revision, six patients had discharging sinus and three patients had negative cultures from tissue samples or aspirates. Two patients developed recurrence of infection: one was treated successfully with antibiotic suppression and one underwent debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention. Mean AKSS scores at two years showed significant improvement from baseline (27.1 (SD 10.2 ) vs 80.3 (SD 14.8); p < 0.001). There was no significant change in mean AKSS scores between two and five years (80.3 (SD 14.8 ) vs 74.1 (SD 19.8); p = 0.109). Five-year OKS scores were not significantly different compared to two-year scores (36.17 (SD 3.7) vs 33.0 (SD 8.5); p = 0.081). Conclusion. ‘Two-in-one’ single-stage revision is effective for treating PJI following TKA with bone loss, providing patients with sustained improvements in outcomes and infection clearance up to five years post-procedure. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(2):107–113

Two-stage exchange remains the gold standard for treatment of peri-prosthetic joint infection after total hip replacement (THR). In the first stage, all components and associated cement if present are removed, an aggressive debridement is undertaken including a complete synovectomy, and an antibiotic-loaded cement spacer is put in place. Patients are then treated with six weeks of parenteral antibiotics, followed by an ‘antibiotic free period’ to help ensure the infection has been eradicated. If the clinical evaluation and serum inflammatory markers suggest the infection has resolved, then the second stage can be completed, which involves removal of the cement spacer, repeat debridement, and placement of a new THR. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B, Supple A:84–7

Aims. Modular dual-mobility constructs reduce the risk of dislocation after revision total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, questions about metal ions from the cobalt-chromium (CoCr) liner persist, and are particularly germane to patients being revised for adverse local tissue reactions (ALTR) to metal. We determined the early- to mid-term serum Co and Cr levels after modular dual-mobility components were used in revision and complex primary THAs, and specifically included patients revised for ALTR. Patients and Methods. Serum Co and Cr levels were measured prospectively in 24 patients with a modular dual-mobility construct and a ceramic femoral head. Patients with CoCr heads or contralateral THAs with CoCr heads were excluded. The mean age was 63 years (35 to 83), with 13 patients (54%) being female. The mean follow-up was four years (2 to 7). Indications for modular dual-mobility were prosthetic joint infection treated with two-stage exchange and subsequent reimplantation (n = 8), ALTR revision (n = 7), complex primary THA (n = 7), recurrent instability (n = 1), and periprosthetic femoral fracture (n = 1). The mean preoperative Co and Cr in patients revised for an ALTR were 29.7 μg/l (2 to 146) and 21.5 μg/l (1 to 113), respectively. Results. Mean Co and Cr levels were 0.30 μg/l and 0.76 μg/l, respectively, at the most recent follow-up. No patient had a Co level ≥ 1 μg/l. Only one patient had a Cr level ≥ 1 μg/l. That patient’s Cr level was 12 μg/l at 57 months after revision THA for ALTR (and decreased ten-fold from a preoperative Cr of 113 μg/l). Conclusion. At a mean of four years, no patient with a modular dual-mobility construct and ceramic femoral head had elevated Co levels, including seven patients revised specifically for ALTR. While further studies are required, we support the selective use of a modular dual-mobility construct in revision and complex primary THAs for patients at high risk for instability. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B(6 Supple B):57–61

Periprosthetic infection following total hip replacement can be a catastrophic complication for the patient. The treatments available include single-stage exchange, and two-stage exchange. We present a series of 50 consecutive patients with a diagnosis of infected total hip replacement who were assessed according to a standardised protocol. Of these, 11 underwent single-stage revision arthroplasty with no recurrence of infection at a mean of 6.8 years follow-up (5.5 to 8.8). The remaining 39 underwent two-stage revision, with two recurrences of infection successfully treated by a second two-stage procedure. At five years, significant differences were found in the mean Harris Hip Scores (single-stage 87.8; two-stage 75.5; p = 0.0003) and in a visual analogue score for satisfaction (8.6; 6.9; p = 0.001) between the single- and two-stage groups. Single-stage exchange is successful in eradicating periprosthetic infection and results in excellent functional and satisfaction scores. Identification of patients suitable for the single-stage procedure allows individualisation of care and provides as many as possible with the correct strategy in successfully tackling their periprosthetic infection

Adverse reaction to wear and corrosion debris is a cause for concern in total hip arthroplasty (THA). Modular junctions are a potential source of such wear products and are associated with secondary pseudotumour formation. . We present a consecutive series of 17 patients treated at our unit for this complication following metal-on-highly cross-linked polyethylene (MoP) THA. We emphasise the risk of misdiagnosis as infection, and present the aggregate laboratory results and pathological findings in this series. The clinical presentation was pain, swelling or instability. Solid, cystic and mixed soft-tissue lesions were noted on imaging and confirmed intra-operatively. Corrosion at the head–neck junction was noted in all cases. No bacteria were isolated on multiple pre- and intra-operative samples yet the mean erythrocyte sedimentation rate was 49 (9 to 100) and C-reactive protein 32 (0.6 to 106) and stromal polymorphonuclear cell counts were noted in nine cases. . Adverse soft–tissue reactions can occur in MoP THA owing to corrosion products released from the head–neck junction. The diagnosis should be carefully considered when investigating pain after THA. This may avoid the misdiagnosis of periprosthetic infection with an unidentified organism and mitigate the unnecessary management of these cases with complete single- or two-stage exchange. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:1024–1030

Aims

Custom-made partial pelvis replacements (PPRs) are increasingly used in the reconstruction of large acetabular defects and have mainly been designed using a triflange approach, requiring extensive soft-tissue dissection. The monoflange design, where primary intramedullary fixation within the ilium combined with a monoflange for rotational stability, was anticipated to overcome this obstacle. The aim of this study was to evaluate the design with regard to functional outcome, complications, and acetabular reconstruction.

Aims

The duration of systemic antibiotic treatment following first-stage revision surgery for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) after total hip arthroplasty (THA) is contentious. Our philosophy is to perform an aggressive debridement, and to use a high local concentration of targeted antibiotics in cement beads and systemic prophylactic antibiotics alone. The aim of this study was to assess the success of this philosophy in the management of PJI of the hip using our two-stage protocol.

We report a series of 17 exchange arthroplasties for infected knee prostheses, ten one-stage and seven two-stage procedures. The method proved successful in controlling infection and restoring function. In two-stage exchanges the interval between the stages was managed by using a prosthesis as a spacer, and acrylic cement beads containing the appropriate antibiotic to provide high local concentrations. Three one-stage procedures had recurrence of infection, but were successfully treated by further exchange operations. All patients had satisfactory function and there have been no serious complications. We recommend this modified two-stage technique for the management of infected knee arthroplasties

We reviewed a series of 91 patients with deep infection of a cemented total hip arthroplasty caused by coagulase-negative staphylococci (C-NS). Of these, 72 were treated by one-stage exchange arthroplasty with a failure rate of 13% due to recurrence of infection. The other 19 patients have started or completed treatment by a two-stage exchange without failure to date. In 27 of the 91 patients multiple strains of C-NS were discovered, many being resistant to previously used antibiotics. The use of gentamicin-containing cement in the primary arthroplasty was significantly associated with the emergence of gentamicin-resistant C-NS in subsequent deep infection. Bacteriological diagnosis of such infections must take into consideration the possibility that multiple strains of the organism are involved

Aims

There is a considerable challenge in treating bone infections and orthopaedic device-associated infection (ODAI), partly due to impaired penetration of systemically administrated antibiotics at the site of infection. This may be circumvented by local drug administration. Knowledge of the release kinetics from any carrier material is essential for proper application. Ceftriaxone shows a particular constant release from calcium sulphate (CaSO₄) in vitro, and is particularly effective against streptococci and a large portion of Gram-negative bacteria. We present the clinical release kinetics of ceftriaxone-loaded CaSO₄ applied locally to treat ODAI.

Aims

Achievement of accurate microbiological diagnosis prior to revision is key to reducing the high rates of persistent infection after revision knee surgery. The effect of change in the microorganism between the first- and second-stage revision of total knee arthroplasty for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) on the success of management is not clear.

The PROSTALAC functional spacer is made of antibiotic-loaded acrylic cement but has a small metal-on-polythene articular surface. We have used it as an interim spacer in two-stage exchange arthroplasty for infected total knee replacement. PROSTALAC allows continuous rehabilitation between stages as it maintains good alignment and stability of the knee and a reasonable range of movement. It also helps to maintain the soft-tissue planes, which facilitates the second-stage procedure. We reviewed 45 consecutive patients, treated over a period of nine years. The mean follow-up was for 48 months (20 to 112). At final review, there was no evidence of infection in 41 patients (91%); only one had a recurrent infection with the same organism. There was improvement in the Hospital for Special Surgery knee score between stages and at final review. The range of movement was maintained between stages. Complications were primarily related to the extensor mechanism and stability of the knee between stages. Both of these problems decreased with refinement of the design of the implant. The rate of cure of the infection in our patients was similar to that using other methods. Movement of the knee does not appear to hinder control of infection

The June 2023 Oncology Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: A size-based criteria for flap reconstruction after thigh-adductor soft-tissue sarcoma resection; Surgical treatment of infected massive endoprostheses implanted for musculoskeletal tumours; Free vascularized fibula for proximal humerus oncological reconstruction in children; The national incidence of chondrosarcoma of bone; a review; Bone sarcoma follow-up: when do events happen?; Osteosarcomas in older adults: a report from the Cooperative Osteosarcoma Study Group

Aims

Knowledge on total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) in patients with a history of poliomyelitis is limited. This study compared implant survivorship and clinical outcomes among affected and unaffected limbs in patients with sequelae of poliomyelitis undergoing TKAs.

Aims

Histology is widely used for diagnosis of persistent infection during reimplantation in two-stage revision hip and knee arthroplasty, although data on its utility remain scarce. Therefore, this study aims to assess the predictive value of permanent sections at reimplantation in relation to reinfection risk, and to compare results of permanent and frozen sections.