Abstract
Introduction: Prosthetic joint infections occur in 1–2 % following total knee replacement. Different options of treatment are described in literature with a lack of data from randomized, controlled trials.
We classified septic revision surgeries following total knee according to a classification published by Mc Pherson. Eradication rate of one stage versus two stage exchange was compared.
Materials and Methods: We included 74 patients who underwent septic revision surgeries following total knee replacement in the years 1998 to 2005. Gender distribution was 42 female and 32 male patients. The mean age at revision surgery was 71 years, at primary implantation mean 68,8 years.
Results: The eradication rate overall was 77 %, in one stage exchange 41.7% and in two stage procedures 86%. Multiple stage revision showed an eradication rate of 75%, necrectomy/debridement 50%, arthrodesis and amputation 100%.
Regarding Mc Pherson’s systemic grades classification the eradication rate for two stage exchanges was 85,7% in group A+B and 60%% in group C. One stage procedures achieved 0% eradication rate in group B and 60% in group C. Regarding Mc Pherson’s local extremity grade classification eradication rates within two stage revisions were 84% in group 2 and 75% in group 3. One stage revision achieved 40% and 0%.
Conclusion: Although two stage revision surgeries achieved better results regarding eradication rates then one stage revision surgery, results were statistically not significant. Reason could be a too small number of included patients for a significant statistical impact. The individual surgical procedure should orientate on the classification published by Mc Pherson.
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
