Introduction. Instability following total knee arthroplasty is a leading cause of failure and is often treated with component revision. The goal of this study was to determine if isolated tibial polyethylene insert exchange (ITPIE) to a higher-level constraint would afford similar outcomes to component revision in the properly selected patient. Methods. We retrospectively evaluated 176 consecutive patients between 2016–2017 who were revised for symptomatic instability at a single institution. Demographic information and level of constraint preoperatively and postoperatively were documented. Radiographic parameters were also recorded for patients undergoing ITPIE. Outcome measures included all cause re-revision rates as well as patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) obtained preoperatively and at minimum 1-yr follow up. Descriptive analysis including sample t-test and chi square test were performed with statistical significance set at p <0.05. Results. 100 patients underwent component revision. 76 patients underwent ITPIE. Patients undergoing ITPIE were not found to have gross malalignment, malrotation, compromised fixation or insufficient collateral ligaments. No statistically significant differences were noted in terms of demographic characteristics between the groups. Similar increases in constraint as well as the thickness of the polyethylene were noted at the time of revision surgery in both groups. Further, patients underwent similar rates of re-revision (15.9% for component revision and 11.8% for ITPIE), p=0.8. In analyzing PROMs, no statistically significant differences were noted. Radiographic parameters of those who underwent ITPIE showed majority of patients to have well aligned components. The average follow-up was 2.3(±1.0)yrs for the component revision group and 2.2(±1.1)yrs for the ITPIE group. Conclusion. In the appropriately selected patient, ITPIE offers similar rates of success to component revision including similar re-revision rates and similar improvement in PROMs. Degree of constraint is generally increased and recommended when patients are treated for instability regardless of component revision or ITPIE. Abbreviations. ITPIE - isolated tibial polyethylene insert exchange. PROMs - patient reported outcome measures

Aims

This study aimed to determine outcomes of isolated tibial insert exchange (ITIE) during revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Liner exchange and bone grafting are commonly used in cases of wear and osteolysis around well- fixed acetabular components in revision total hip arthroplasty. However, in total knee revision, liner exchange is a more rare option.

In a multicenter study, we evaluated 22 TKAs that were revised with liner exchange and bone grafting for wear and osteolysis. All knees were well-fixed and well-aligned, and all components were modular tibial components. Osteolytic areas averaged 21.1cm2 and 7.6cm2 on AP projections of the femur and tibia, respectively, and averaged 21.6cm2 and 5.7cm2 on lateral projections of the femur and tibia, respectively, with the largest area being 54cm2 on a single projection. Follow up was minimum 2 years and average 40 months. No knees were revised and radiographically, all osteolytic lesions showed evidence of complete or partial graft incorporation. In addition, there was no radiographic evidence of loosening at final follow up.

The Mayo Clinic evaluated 56 isolated tibial insert exchange revisions at their institution. Cases of loosening, infection, knee stiffness, or extensor mechanism problems were excluded. At minimum 2-year follow up (average 4.6 years), 14 knees (25%) required re-revision.

Baker et al. evaluated 45 total knees undergoing isolated tibial insert exchange. At minimum 2 years, 4 knees (9%) required revision. Significant improvement was seen in clinical outcomes questionnaires, but only 58% had clinical successful global WOMAC scores.

In summary, isolated liner exchange in the revision total knee setting has variable results. It can be successful but it is indeed a rare option and should be limited to cases were the total knee arthroplasty is both well-fixed and well-aligned.

Liner exchange and bone grafting are commonly used in cases of wear and osteolysis around well fixed acetabular components in revision total hip arthroplasty. However, in total knee revision, liner exchange is a more rare option.

In a multicenter study, we evaluated 22 TKAs that were revised with liner exchange and bone grafting for wear and osteolysis. All knees were well fixed and well aligned, and all components were modular tibial components. Osteolytic areas averaged 21.1 cm2 and 7.6 cm2 on AP projections of the femur and tibia, respectively, and averaged 21.6 cm2 and 5.7 cm2 on lateral projections of the femur and tibia, respectively, with the largest area being 54 cm2 on a single projection. Follow up was minimum 2 years and average 40 months. No knees were revised and radiographically, all osteolytic lesions showed evidence of complete or partial graft incorporation. In addition, there was no radiographic evidence of loosening at final follow up.

The Mayo Clinic evaluated 56 isolated tibial insert exchange revisions at their institution. Cases of loosening, infection, knee stiffness, or extensor mechanism problems were excluded. At minimum 2 year follow up (average 4.6 years), 14 knees (25%) required re-revision.

Baker et al evaluated 45 total knees undergoing isolated tibial insert exchange. At minimum 2 years, 4 knees (9%) required revision. Significant improvement was seen in clinical outcomes questionnaires, but only 58% had clinical successful global WOMAC scores.

In summary, isolated liner exchange in the revision total knee setting has variable results. It can be successful but it is indeed a rare option and should be limited to cases where the total knee arthroplasty is both well fixed and well aligned.

From 1985 through 1997, 56 isolated tibial insert exchange revisions were performed at our institution. Fifty-five patients with wear or instability were included. Those with loosening of any of the components, history of infection, severe knee stiffness or problems with the extensor mechanism were excluded. There were 29 males (1 bilateral) and 26 female patients with a mean age of 66 years (range 35 to 83 years) at the time of revision surgery. Twenty-seven inserts were exchanged based on ligamentous instability, 24 because of insert wear or breakage including two cases of polyethylene dislodgment from the tibial base-plate and 5 for other reasons. Twelve knees had one to three prior revisions. Surveillance from index arthroplasty averaged 8.3 years (range 1.6 to 16.2 years) and since revision 4.6 years (range 2 to 14 years).

Knee Society and Function Scores improved from 56 and 50.9 prior to revision to 76 and 59 at final surveillance, respectively. Fourteen (25%) of the 56 knees subsequently required re-revision after a mean of only three years (range 0.5 to 6.8) from tibial insert exchange. The cumulative survival at 5.5 years was 63.5% (95% CI=+/−14.4, n=19). Of the 27 patients with preoperative instability, eight were revised and another four were considered as failures due to severe pain. Of the 24 failed inserts, five were re-revised, one was amputated as a result of chronic ankle osteomyelitis concomitant to a chronically painful arthroplasty, and another two inserts failed due to severe pain.

Isolated tibial insert exchange led to a surprisingly high early failure rate. Tibial insert exchange should therefore be undertaken with caution as an isolated method of total knee revision surgery even in those circumstances for which the modular insert was designed and felt to be of greatest value.

Purpose. The outcome following isolated liner exchange for revision knee arthroplasty, while an attractive option for its simplicity, has a mixed outcome reported in the literature. We report our experience in patients who had a minimum of two years follow-up. Method. From our database we identified 44 cases in 41 patients who had an isolated liner exchange for a failed primary knee replacement. Twenty were female and the mean body mass index was 33 (range 20 to 49). The mean time to revision from their index procedure was 76 months (range 8 to 152). The mean age at revision was 69 years (range 45 to 90). Patients were assessed by use of validated quality of life questionnaires: Oxford-12, UCLA Activity Level, WOMAC and SF-12. Patients current scores were compared to pre-operative scores in 19 cases. Radiographs were assessed for polyethylene wear, osteolysis and alignment with respect to the mechanical axis. Intra-operative findings were compared to radiographic findings. Results. The main clinical indication for liner exchange was polyethylene wear 73% (32/44), stiffness 11% (5/44), instability 7% (3/44), pain 7% (3/44) and failed locking mechanism 2% (1/44). Five patients had died, four patients refused to participate. Four (9%) knees were subsequently revised: two for aseptic loosening of the femoral component and two for the tibial component, between one and 12 years after liner exchange. Twenty-nine patients completed quality of life questionnaires. The mean follow-up was 58 months (range 24 to 123). Significant improvement was seen in the Oxford-12, the SF-12 physical component and all WOMAC domains. Conclusion. Our revision rates are low compared to published results. When patients are selected appropriately, an isolated liner exchange can be a useful operation for the treatment of a failed primary total knee replacement

A modular tibial insert exchange is a seemingly attractive benign and simple surgical alternative when compared to full knee revision. Unfortunately, the results have been less than satisfactory with modular insert exchange for polyethylene wear and knee instability. Babis et al reported the results of 56 isolated insert exchanges performed for wear or instability. The re-revision rate was 25% at a mean follow-up of 3-years and the cumulative survival rate was only 63.5% at 5.5 years. In another study, 27% (6/22) insert exchanges for wear required re-revision within 5 years. Bert et al reported scoring and damage in 89% of 55 retained components considered candidates for isolated insert exchange. Such damage could account for accelerated wear of a new insert. These studies are misleading. The new insert must be polyethylene not prone to oxidation and accelerated wear. In a recent study of 177 revisions for wear and osteolysis, the survivorship of insert exchange using non-irradiated poly was 100%. Insert exchange does not correct the problem of a poor tibial locking mechanism. Whiteside and Katerberg reported 3 failures in 49 insert exchanges, fabrication of the tibial locking mechanism was used to address this problem. With revision for instability, insert exchange must provide full stability in both flexion and extension. Tibial insert exchange must correct the underlying cause of failure that led to the revision surgery. Full knee revision is a complex procedure that brings with it increased risks of perioperative complications such as infection and should be reserved only for cases that will not do well with simple insert exchange

From 1985 through 1997, 56 isolated tibial insert exchange revisions were performed at our institution. Fifty-five patients with wear or instability were included. Those with loosening of any of the components, history of infection, severe knee stiffness or problems with the extensor mechanism were excluded. There were 29 males (1 bilateral) and 26 female patients with a mean age of 66 years (range 35 to 83 years) at the time of revision surgery. Twenty-seven inserts were exchanged based on ligamentous instability, 24 because of insert wear or breakage including two cases of polyethylene dislodgment from the tibial base-plate and 5 for other reasons. Twelve knees had one to three prior revisions. Surveillance from index arthroplasty averaged 8.3 years (range 1.6 to 16.2 years) and since revision 4.6 years (range 2 to 14 years).

Knee Society and Function Scores improved from 56 and 50.9 prior to revision to 76 and 59 at final surveillance respectively. Fourteen (25%) of the 56 knees subsequently required re-revision after a mean of only three years (0.5–6.8) from tibial insert exchange. The cumulative survival at 5.5 years was 63.5% (95%CI=+/−14.4, n=19). Of the 27 patients with pre-operative instability, eight were revised and another four were considered as failures due to severe pain. Of the 24 failed inserts, five were re-revised, one was amputated as a result of chronic ankle osteomyelitis concomitant to a chronically painful arthroplasty, and another two inserts failed due to severe pain.

Isolated tibial insert exchange led to a surprisingly high early failure rate. Tibial insert exchange should therefore be undertaken with caution as an isolated method of total knee revision surgery even in those circumstances for which the modular insert was designed and felt to be of greatest value.

Background. Acute soft tissue defects (wound dehiscence or necrosis) after a total knee arthroplasty (TKA) may be the cause of the devasting complication of deep infection. When a medium (4–6cm) defect is present, in patellar or infra-patellar localization, a medial hemi-gastrocnemius flap is widely used to cover it, because of its low morbidity and high functional results. Normally, this coverage is not associated to a debridement, antibiotics and implant retention surgery (DAIR). When facing this situation, we should consider associating to the coverage treatment, like muscle flap, a DAIR procedure, in order to treat the possible acute infection, even when the diagnosis of infection is not clear. We could not find any studies comparing the benefice of this association in the same surgical act to isolated treatment of soft tissue defects. Our hypothesis was that when a TKA surgical wound defect is present, the risk of an acute infection is elevated and the patient would benefit from a muscle flap with DAIR procedure and polyethylene exchange. Methods. We performed a retrospective study to compare TKA infection clearance in patients with DAIR and flap in the same surgical act against those who received an isolated flap procedure for soft tissue coverage after an acute surgical wound defect. Patients were identified from a prospectively collated TKA database. Between 2005 and 2021, 19 patients met our inclusion criteria. A medial hemi-gastrocnemius flap was performed in 15 patients (78%). Healing or TKA infection clearance was defined as the presence of the original prosthesis after soft tissue coverage intervention, no need of DAIR after soft tissue coverage or no suppressive antibiotic treatment. Results. We obtained two groups. The first one, included those patients who had received the association of DAIR with polyethylene exchange and Flap (n=12). The other group included those who had received an isolated flap (n=7). We did not find differences in comorbidities and risk factors between both groups. In the combination treatment group 66,6% patients healed after treatment. In the other group, these favourable results decrease to 42,9%. Even though results were better in the combination treatment group, no significant differences were found. Conclusion. Although no significant statistical differences were found, probably due to small sample, the association of DAIR with polyethylene exchange and muscle flap is recommended in the coverage over an acute dehiscence or necrosis after TKA. More studies, with bigger sample are needed to extrapolate results in general population

Aims. The aim of this study was to establish the results of isolated exchange of the tibial polyethylene insert in revision total knee arthroplasty (RTKA) in patients with well-fixed femoral or tibial components. We report on a series of RTKAs where only the polyethylene was replaced, and the patients were followed for a mean of 13.2 years (10.0 to 19.1). Patients and Methods. Our study group consisted of 64 non-infected, grossly stable TKA patients revised over an eight-year period (1998 to 2006). The mean age of the patients at time of revision was 72.2 years (48 to 88). There were 36 females (56%) and 28 males (44%) in the cohort. All patients had received the same cemented, cruciate-retaining patella resurfaced primary TKA. All subsequently underwent an isolated polyethylene insert exchange. The mean time from the primary TKA to RTKA was 9.1 years (2.2 to 16.1). Results. At final follow-up, 13 patients had died, leaving 51 patients for study. Only seven of these patients had required re-operation. Knee Society scores (KSS) prior to RTKA were a mean of 78.4 (24 to 100). By six weeks post-revision, the mean total KSS was 93.5 (38 to 100) and at final follow-up, they had a mean of 91.6 (36 to 100). Conclusion. In appropriate circumstances, where the femoral and tibial components are satisfactorily aligned and well fixed, and where the soft tissues can be balanced, a polyethylene exchange alone can provide a durable solution for these RTKA patients. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B(7 Supple C):104–107

Background. The clinical benefit of chronic suppression with oral antibiotics as a salvage treatment for periprosthetic joint infection is unclear. The purpose of this study was to compare infection-free prosthetic survival rates between patients who received chronic oral antibiotics and those who did not following irrigation and debridement with polyethylene exchange or two-stage revision for periprosthetic joint infection. Methods. We reviewed the records on all irrigation and debridement procedures with polyethylene exchange and two-stage revisions performed at our institution from 1996 to 2010 for hip or knee periprosthetic joint infection. Of 625 patients treated with a total of 655 eligible revisions, ninety-two received chronic oral antibiotics for a minimum of six months and were eligible for inclusion in our study. These patients were compared with a matched cohort (ratio of 1:3) who did not receive chronic oral antibiotics. Results. The five-year infection-free prosthetic survival rate was 68.5% (95% confidence interval = 59.2% to 79.3%) for the antibiotic-suppression group and 41.1% (95% CI = 34.9% to 48.5%) for the non-suppression group (hazard ratio = 0.63, p = 0.008). Stratification by the type of surgery and the infecting organism showed a higher five-year survival rate for the patients in the suppression group who underwent irrigation and debridement with polyethylene exchange (64.7%) compared with those in the non-suppression group who underwent irrigation and debridement with polyethylene exchange (30.4%, p < 0.0001) and a higher five-year survival rate for the patients in the suppression group who had a Staphylococcus aureus infection (57.4%) compared with those in the non-suppression group who had a Staphylococcus aureus infection (40.1%, p = 0.047). Conclusions. Chronic suppression with oral antibiotics increased the infection-free prosthetic survival rate following surgical treatment for periprosthetic joint infection. Patients who underwent irrigation and debridement with polyethylene exchange and those who had a Staphylococcus aureus infection had the greatest benefit

Aims. Retrospective review of a consecutive series of 1,168 total ankle replacements (TAR) performed at Wrightington, to analyse modes of failure and clinical outcomes following TAR failure. Methods. All patients undergoing TAR between November 1993 – June 2019 were collated (4–25 year follow-up; mean 13.7 years). 6 implants were used (300 STAR, 100 Buechal Pappas, 509 Mobility, 118 Zenith, 41 Salto and 100 Infinity). 5 surgeons, all trained in TAR, performed the surgery. Modes of failure were collated and clinical and radiological outcomes recorded for the revisional surgery following failure of the TAR. Results. 156 (13.4%) TARs failed (47STAR 15.6%, 16BP 16%, 77Mobility 15.1%, 6Salto 14.6%, 10Zenith 8.5% and 0Infinity 0%). Mean time to failure 5.8 years (0.1- 21.4 years). The 4 most common modes of failure were 44.9% aseptic loosening, 11.5% gutter pain, 10.9% infection and 10.3% recurrent edge loading. 50 underwent conversion to tibiotalocalcaneal (TTC) fusion with nail with 9 (18%) failing to fuse. 31 underwent revision TAR with 2 (6.5%) subsequently failed. 22 underwent ankle fusion with 10 (45%) failing to fuse. 21 underwent polyethylene exchange of which 8 (38%) had further poly failure. 20 (12.8%) were managed conservatively, 2 (1.3%) required below knee amputation and 6 were listed but lost to follow-up. 81 of the 1168 (7%) consecutive cohort were lost to follow-up. Conclusions. 13.4% of the TAR cohort have failed at average follow-up 13.7 years. There was no difference in failure modes across the implant designs. Whilst the fixed bearing has the shortest follow-up, it may be performing better as there have been no failures so far. Prior to October 2016, most revisions were to fusion (TTC 18% failure rate, ankle 45% failure rate), whereas post 2016, 57% patients elected for revision TAR (6.5% failure)

Aim. Haematogenous prosthetic joint infections account for 20-35% of total prosthetic infections. Debridement, antibiotics and implant retention (DAIR) is a well-accepted treatment for these infections and probably the most desired by surgeons, since it tries to maintain a functional and stable implant. However, the risk of DAIR failure is not negligible and some risk factors have been described, and also, different scores, such as CRIME80. Nonetheless, less is known about the impact of positive blood cultures may have on DAIR treatment. The aim of our study is to analyze whether the presence of a positive culture is a risk factor for DAIR failure. Method. A retrospective cohort study of 50 late acute haematogenous TKA infections was performed from 2015 to 2023. DAIR failure was defined as the need of a subsequent intervention either a new DAIR or a revision surgery. So, patients were divided into two groups depending on the surgical outcome: successful (SG) vs failure (FG). Demographic variables including age, gender, affected side and body mass index were collected. Patient's comorbidities were also collected including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), cirrhosis and chronic renal failure, etc. Other variables, such as ones included in CRIME80 (C-reactive protein (CRP) >150mg/dl and polyethylene exchange), were also collected. Results. 30 patients had a successful DAIR outcome (60%). Age and sex do not act as risk factors [OR 0.7 (0.2-2.6) and OR 0.4 (0.1-1.3)]. Neither do COPD [OR 3.3 (0.5-2.0), p=0.2]; RA [OR 0.8 (0.2-3.1), p=0.7]; CRP value [3.2 (0.9-11.2), p=0.06]; and polyethylene exchange [OR 0.4 (0.1-2.5), p= 0.3]. Thirty-five blood cultures (70%) were obtained before surgery (20 SG and 15 FG). Nine of the obtained blood cultures were positive (25.7%), being 7 from FG (46.7%) [OR 7.6 (1.3-4.8), p=0.02]. A logistic regression was performed where positive blood cultures were the only significant variable to predict DAIR failure (OR 12, 95% CI 1.1−18, p=0.049), after adjusting for all CRIME80 variables. Skin and soft tissue origin was described in 5 of the nine positive blood cultures (55.6%). Cardiovascular system was the second most common spread (22.2%), and then followed by urogenital and digestive tract. The most common microorganism in FG was Staphylococcus aureus (57.1%) [OR 6.4 (0.2-18.0), p=0.2]. Conclusions. Positive blood cultures may be another risk factor for DAIR failure. This can be important in diagnosis and it may be taken into account in antibiotic and surgical treatment strategies

Two big problems exist with the all polyethylene cemented tibial component; the polyethylene and the cement. The polyethylene is too weak and flexible to bear high tibial load, so it deforms and loosens. The interface stresses are too high when two flexible structures are poorly bonded and heavily loaded. Modularity between the polyethylene tibial component and the metal-backed tray was introduced in the mid-80's for versatility and to facilitate screw fixation for cementless implants. These designs allow exchange of various polyethylene thicknesses, and aids the addition of stems and wedges. Other advantages include the reduction of inventory, and the potential for isolated tibial polyethylene exchanges as a simpler revision procedure. Several studies have documented the high failure rate of isolated polyethylene exchange procedures, because technical problems related to the original components are left uncorrected. However, revision for wear is the simplest revision ever!. Since the late 1980's the phenomena of polyethylene wear and osteolysis have been observed much more frequently when compared with earlier eras. The reasons for this increased prevalence of synovitis, progressive osteolysis, and severe polyethylene wear remain unclear. There is some association with the widespread use of both cementless and cemented modular tibial designs. Improved polyethylene attachment is the answer even if a screw, a wire, or a pin is needed. Do not abandon the modular tibia

Aim. The gold standard treatment for late acute hematogenous (LAH) periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is surgical debridement, antibiotics and implant retention (DAIR). However, this strategy is still controversial in the case of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) as some studies report a higher failure rate. The aim of the present study is to report the functional outcomes and cure rate of LAH PJI following TKA treated by means of DAIR at a long-term follow-up. Method. A consecutive prospective cohort consisting of 2,498 TKA procedures was followed for a minimum of 10 years (implanted between 2005 and 2009). The diagnosis of PJI and classification into LAH was done in accordance with the Zimmerli criteria (NEJM 2004). The primary outcome was the failure rate, defined as death before the end of antibiotic treatment, a further surgical intervention for treatment of infection was needed and life-long antibiotic treatment or chronic infection. The Knee Society Score (KSS) was used to evaluate clinical outcomes. Surgical management, antibiotic treatment, the source of infection (primary focus) and the microorganisms isolated were also assessed. Results. Among the 2,498 TKA procedures, 10 patients were diagnosed with acute hematogenous PJI during the study period (0.4%). All those 10 patients were operated by means of DAIR, which of course included the polyethylene exchange. They were performed by a knee surgeon and/or PJI surgeon. The failure rate was 0% at the 8.5 years (SD, 2.4) follow-up mark. The elapsed time between primary total knee replacement surgery and the DAIR intervention was 4.7 years (SD, 3.6). DAIR was performed at 2.75 days (SD 1.8) of the onset of symptoms. The most common infecting organism was S. aureus (30%) and E. coli (30%). There were 2 infections caused by coagulase-negative staphylococci and 2 culture-negative PJI. All culture-positive PJI microorganisms were susceptible to anti-biofilm antibiotics. The source of infection was identified in only 3 cases. The mean duration of antibiotic treatment was 11.4 weeks (SD 1.9). The postoperative clinical outcomes were excellent, with a mean KSS of 84.1 points (SD, 14.6). Conclusions. Although the literature suggests that TKA DAIR for acute hematogenous periprosthetic joint infection is associated with high rates of failure, the results presented here suggest a high cure rate with good functional outcomes. Some explanations for this disparity in results may be the correct diagnosis of LHA, not misdiagnosing acute chronic PJI, and a thorough debridement by surgeons specialized in PJI

Introduction. The infection rate after total joint arthroplasty (TJA) has been shown to be 1–2% in multiple series and registry data. Irrigation, debridement, and polyethylene exchange (IDPE) is a common first line treatment in many cases of acute prosthetic joint infection (PJI). The reinfection rate in open IDPE procedures is variable with studies showing reinfection rates of 10–70% depending on various patient and microbial factors. Our pilot study aimed to determine if the bacterial load in infected total joints was sufficiently reduced by IDPE to allow for the use of post-debridement cultures as an independent marker of procedural success. Methods. 46 prosthetic joint infections underwent irrigation and debridement using 6L of normal saline and 3L of a normal saline and bacitracin mixture prior to the insertion of a new polyethylene liner. This protocol utilized a single equipment setup with all surgical members donning new gloves prior to polyethylene exchange. Between 3 and 5 intraoperative cultures were obtained both prior to and after debridement as per the surgeon's standard protocol. A two-tailed student's t-test was used to evaluate for any differences in the rate of positive culture between these two groups. Results. Of all pre- and post-debridement cultures sampled 66.5% and 60.7% of cultures were positive respectively. No significant difference in the rate of positive intraoperative culture was found between pre-debridement and post-debridement groups (p = 0.52). In 32 of 46 (69%) cases there was no difference in the total number of positive cultures despite a thorough debridement. Conclusions. Our data shows that open debridement of PJI does not provide a sterile environment, and post-debridement cultures should not be used as an independent marker of procedural success. The role of an irrigation and debridement to reduce the bacterial burden and potentiate the clearance of an infection is established but its efficacy is unclear, and the inability to create a post-debridement sterile environment is a concern

The infection rate after total joint arthroplasty (TJA) has been shown to be 1–2% in multiple series and registry data. Irrigation, debridement, and polyethylene exchange (IDPE) is a common first line treatment in many cases of acute prosthetic joint infection (PJI). The reinfection rate in open IDPE procedures is variable with studies showing reinfection rates of 10–70% depending on various patient and microbial factors. Our pilot study aimed to determine if the bacterial load in infected total joints was sufficiently reduced by IDPE to allow for the use of post-debridement cultures as an independent marker of procedural success. 46 prosthetic joint infections underwent irrigation and debridement using 6L of normal saline and 3L of a normal saline and bacitracin mixture prior to the insertion of a new polyethylene liner. This protocol utilized a single equipment setup with all surgical members donning new gloves prior to polyethylene exchange. Between 3 and 5 intraoperative cultures were obtained both prior to and after debridement as per the surgeon's standard protocol. A two-tailed student's t-test was used to evaluate for any differences in the rate of positive culture between these two groups. Of all pre- and post-debridement cultures sampled 66.5% and 60.7% of cultures were positive respectively. No significant difference in the rate of positive intraoperative culture was found between pre-debridement and post-debridement groups (p = 0.52). In 32 of 46 (69%) cases there was no difference in the total number of positive cultures despite a thorough debridement. Our data shows that open debridement of PJI does not provide a sterile environment, and post-debridement cultures should not be used as an independent marker of procedural success. The role of an irrigation and debridement to reduce the bacterial burden and potentiate the clearance of an infection is established but its efficacy is unclear, and the inability to create a post-debridement sterile environment is a concern

Two big problems exist with the all-polyethylene cemented tibial component; the polyethylene and the cement. The polyethylene is too weak and flexible to bear high tibial load, so it deforms and loosens. The interface stresses are too high when two flexible structures are poorly bonded and heavily loaded. Modularity between the polyethylene tibial component and the metal-backed tray was introduced in the mid-80's for versatility and to facilitate screw fixation for cementless implants. These designs allow exchange of various polyethylene thicknesses, and aids the addition of stems and wedges. Other advantages include the reduction of inventory, and the potential for isolated tibial polyethylene exchanges as a simpler revision procedure. Several studies have documented the high failure rate of isolated polyethylene exchange procedures, because technical problems related to the original components are left uncorrected. However, revision for wear is the simplest revision ever!. Since the late 1980's the phenomena of polyethylene wear and osteolysis has been observed much more frequently when compared with earlier eras. The reasons for this increased prevalence of synovitis, progressive osteolysis, and severe polyethylene wear remain unclear. There is some association with the widespread use of both cementless and cemented modular tibial designs. Improved polyethylene attachment is the answer even if a screw, a wire, or a pin is needed. Do not abandon the module tibia

Aim. The optimal treatment of streptococcal prosthetic joint infections (PJIs) is unclear. Poorer outcome has been associated with Streptococcus agalactiae species, comorbidities and polyethylene exchange for conservative approach. Rifampicin use may be associated with higher remission rate but results are sparse. Method. A cohort of streptococcal PJI (including total hip arthroplasty –THA- or total knee arthroplasty –TKA-) was prospectively created and retrospectively reviewed in 7 reference centers for management of complex PJI between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2012. Results. Seventy patients (47 infections of THA and 23 infections of total TKA) with monomicrobial infections were included. Median age was 77 (interquartile range [IQR] [69 – 83], 15.6% (n=11) had diabetes, median Charlson comorbidity score was 4 [3 – 6] and 31.4% (n=22) had chronic heart failure. Streptococcus agalactiae and S. dysgalactiae were the most commonly streptococcal species found, in 38.6% (n=27) and 17.1% (n=12) of cases respectively. Debridement, antibiotic and implant retention (DAIR) was performed after a median time of 7 days [3 – 8] with polyethylene exchange (PE) performed in 21% of these treatments. After a median follow-up of 22 month [12 – 31], 27% of patients relapsed corresponding to 51.4% of DAIR treatment and 0% of one- (n=15) or two-stage exchange strategy (n=17). Rifampicin or levofloxacin combination were not associated with a better outcome (p=0.82 and p=1, respectively). A shorter intravenous antimicrobial therapy, a S. agalactiae species and DAIR treatment were associated with a higher risk of failure. In multivariate analysis, only DAIR treatment and S. agalactiae were independent factors of relapse. PE was associated with a trend toward benefit (odds ratio 0.26 [95% CI: 0.021 – 1.98; p=0.26]) but did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions. Streptococcal PJIs managed with DAIR have a poor prognosis and S. agalactiae seems to be an independent factor of failure

Two big problems exist with the all-polyethylene cemented tibial component; the polyethylene and the cement. The polyethylene is too weak and flexible to bear tibial load, so it deforms and loosens. The interface stresses are too high when two flexible structures are poorly bonded and heavily loaded. Modularity between the polyethylene tibial component and the metal-backed tray was introduced in the mid-1980s for versatility and to facilitate screw fixation for cementless implants. These designs allow exchange of various polyethylene thicknesses, and aid the addition of stems and wedges. Other advantages include the reduction of inventory, and the potential for isolated tibial polyethylene exchanges as a simpler revision procedure. Several studies have documented the high failure rate of isolated polyethylene exchange procedures, because technical problems related to the original components are left uncorrected. However, revision for wear is the simplest revision ever!. Since the late 1980s the phenomena of polyethylene wear and osteolysis have been observed much more frequently when compared with earlier eras. The reasons for this increased prevalence of synovitis, progressive osteolysis, and severe polyethylene wear remain unclear. There is some association with the widespread use of both cementless and cemented modular tibial designs. Improved polyethylene attachment is the answer even if a screw, a wire, or a pin is needed. Do not abandon the modular tibia on any patient