Abstract
Introduction: Revision surgery in periprosthetic infection often encounters defects in bone stock caused by the loosening procedures, through continuous revisions or by explantation techniques. Since bony reconstruction in the presence of infection is critical, if no antibiotic impregnated bone grafts are available, metal implants are the last resort. Lately tantalum wedges and cones have been introduced as a stable augmentation device.
Material and Methods: Since 2007 we have used 14 tantalum implants to fill bone defects in 13 cases of severe purulent periprosthetic infection (4 cones, 10 wedges). All patients are in permanent control on an outpatient basis.
Results: Primary and continuous stability was achieved in all patients and no signs of recurrent or persistent infection were found.
Conclusion: So far this concept proves to be successful and can be recommended. The stability of the implant is recorded for numerous aseptic reconstructions. Research is needed towards the surface properties of tantalum in contact with bacteria. Positive findings like in silver coating would be desirable. Further research towards impregnation possibilities of the porous structure with antibiotics for continuous elution like from cement or fleece could – in a positive result – improve septic surgery substantially.
Correspondence should be addressed to Vienna Medical Academy, Alser Strasse 4, A-1090 Vienna, Austria. Phone: +43 1 4051383 0, Fax: +43 1 4078274, Email: ebjis2009@medacad.org
