Abstract
Implantation of allograft bone continues to be an integral part of revision hip surgery. One major concern with its use is the risk of transmission of infective agents. There are a number of methods of processing bone in order to reduce that risk. One part of that processing can be carried out immediately prior to implantation using pulsed irrigation.
We report the incidence of deep bacterial infection in a series of 138 patients undergoing 144 revision hip arthroplasty procedures who had undergone allograft bone implantation. The allograft bone used was fresh-frozen non-irradiated. Allograft femoral heads were milled following removal of any residual soft tissue and sclerotic subchondral bone. The bone chips were then placed in a standard metal sieve and irrigated with Normal Saline (pre-warmed to 60 degrees Centigrade) delivered as pulsed lavage at 7 bar pressure. No antibiotics were used in the irrigation solution. The bone chips were washed until all visible blood and marrow products had been removed.
The deep infection rate at a minimum one year follow-up was 0.6%. This method of secondary processing appears to be consistent with a very low risk of allograft related bacterial infection.
Theses abstracts were prepared by Professor Roger Lemaire. Correspondence should be addressed to EFORT Central Office, Freihofstrasse 22, CH-8700 Küsnacht, Switzerland.
