Fungal peri-prosthetic infections of the knee and hip are rare but likely to result in devastating complications. In this study we evaluated the results of their management using a single-stage exchange technique. Between 2001 and 2011, 14 patients (ten hips, four knees) were treated for a peri-prosthetic fungal infection. One patient was excluded because revision surgery was not possible owing to a large acetabular defect. One patient developed a further infection two months post-operatively and was excluded from the analysis. Two patients died of unrelated causes.

After a mean of seven years (3 to 11) a total of ten patients were available for follow-up. One patient, undergoing revision replacement of the hip, had a post-operative dislocation. Another patient, undergoing revision replacement of the knee, developed a wound infection and required revision 29 months post-operatively following a peri-prosthetic femoral fracture.

The mean Harris hip score increased to 74 points (63 to 84; p < 0.02) in those undergoing revision replacement of the hip, and the mean Hospital for Special Surgery knee score increased to 75 points (70 to 80; p < 0.01) in those undergoing revision replacement of the knee.

A single-stage revision following fungal peri-prosthetic infection is feasible, with an acceptable rate of a satisfactory outcome.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:492–6.

Introduction: One stage and two stage exchange procedures are acknowledged as gold standard for revision surgery in periprosthetic infection. Since the one stage concept is ethically, medically and economically superior, the last necessary argument is a fair rate of success on a large scale. The two stage procedure could then be limited to its genuine indications only.

Material and Methods: In three years (2005/06/07) 555 one stage exchanges of the hip and the knee were carried out at our clinic. A first homogenous group of 282 cases has now been analysed and followed-up. Detailed data regarding case history, clinical situation, treatment course and complications will be presented. All cases were investigated through a telephone protocol or examination on an outpatient basis by the same person. The group contained 180 hips and 102 knees. The median age was 68, (22/91). The median follow-up time was 31 months, (51/15).

Results: The primary success rate (dismissal from hospital) was 99% (1 death, 1 disarticulation). The revised rate of success in the course of the follow-up was 92,7 %.

Conclusion: With a success rate of 92,7 % this example of the one stage performance proves the standard realisation possibility of this concept. Advantages like no impairment in the interval without prosthesis, reduced complication and risk possibilities and reduced costs speak for this procedure. Nevertheless prerequisites have to be respected. But after all the one stage procedure should be made available to all patients with the appropriate indication.