Aims. Patients receiving cemented hemiarthroplasties after hip fracture have a significant risk of deep surgical site infection (SSI). Standard UK practice to minimize the risk of SSI includes the use of antibiotic-loaded bone cement with no consensus regarding type, dose, or antibiotic content of the cement. This is the protocol for a randomized clinical trial to investigate the clinical and cost-effectiveness of high dose dual antibiotic-loaded cement in comparison to low dose single antibiotic-loaded cement in patients 60 years and over receiving a cemented hemiarthroplasty for an intracapsular hip fracture. Methods. The WHiTE 8 Copal Or Palacos Antibiotic Loaded bone cement trial (WHiTE 8 COPAL) is a multicentre, multi-surgeon, parallel, two-arm, randomized clinical trial. The pragmatic study will be embedded in the World Hip Trauma Evaluation (WHiTE) (ISRCTN 63982700). Participants, including those that lack capacity, will be allocated on a 1:1 basis stratified by recruitment centre to either a low dose single antibiotic-loaded bone cement or a high dose dual antibiotic-loaded bone cement. The primary analysis will compare the differences in deep SSI rate as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention within 90 days of surgery via medical record review and patient self-reported questionnaires. Secondary outcomes include UK Core Outcome Set for hip fractures, complications, rate of antibiotic prescription, resistance patterns of deep SSI, and resource use (more specifically, cost-effectiveness) up to four months post-randomization. A minimum of 4,920 patients will be recruited to obtain 90% power to detect an absolute difference of 1.5% in the rate of deep SSI at 90 days for the expected 3% deep SSI rate in the control group. Conclusion. The results of this trial will provide evidence regarding clinical and cost-effectiveness between low dose single and high dose dual antibiotic-loaded bone cement, which will inform policy and practice guidelines such as the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidance on management of hip fractures. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(2):72–78

Aim. One of the most severe complications of primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). Nowadays, the use of antibiotic-loaded cement for prevention of infection is still controversial. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the use of an antibiotic-loaded cement to reduce the infection rate in primary total knee arthroplasty. Method. Prospective randomized study, with 2893 cemented total knee arthroplasties performed between 2005 and 2010 in our institution. Two different groups were formed depending on which bone cement was used, without antibiotic (the control group) or loaded with erythromycin and colistin (the study group). All patients received the same systemic prophylactic antibiotics. The patients were followed for a minimum of twelve months. The rate of infection was analyzed according to the criteria of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Results. In 1452 patients the prosthetic components were fixed using bone cement without antibiotic and in 1441 patients bone cement loaded with erythromycin and colistin was used. There were no differences between both groups in terms of demographic data (age, sex and BMI), either in operating time (p>0,05). The rate of infection was similar in both groups, being 2,0% (n=29) in the control group and 1,7% in the study group (p=0,58) at 8,7 years (SD 5,1) of follow up. In terms of prosthetic revision due to any cause (infected or aseptic), there wasn't differences between groups, performing a total of 61 revision arthroplasties in control group and 68 in study group (p>0,05). Moreover, we analyzed the erythromycin resistance rate, being no differences between both groups (p=0.6). Conclusions. The use of erythromycin and colistin-loaded bone cement in total knee arthroplasty did not lead to a decrease in the rate of infection when systemic prophylactic antibiotics were used, a finding that suggests that its use would not be indicated in the general population

Aim. Septic arthritis of the hip is a rare entity among the adult population, but with a potential severe repercussion. The most accepted treatment is the hip debridement, even though a notorious proportion of the cases need further hip replacement owing to the cartilage destruction. The aim of this study is to analyse all our cases of septic arthritis of the hip treated with a 2-stage strategy using an antibiotic-loaded cement spacer. Method. We present a retrospective review of all our cases of septic arthritis of the hip diagnosed between 2004 and 2016 that were treated with an antibiotic-loaded cement spacer. We analysed age, gender, comorbidities, aetiology, duration of symptoms, C-reactive protein values, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, initial treatment, cultures, definitive treatment and evolution. Results. A total of 14 cases were included with a mean age of 47 years: 8 men and 6 women. The aetiology of the arthritis was: haematogenous in 8 cases, after osteosynthesis in 5 cases and after arthroscopy in 1 case. An initial debridement was performed in 6 cases whereas the spacer was directly implanted in 8 cases. The cultures were positive for: Staphylococcus aureus (4 cases), Candida albicans (2 cases), Staphylococcus epidermidis (1 case), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (1 case), Enterococcus faecium (1 case), Serratia marcescens (1 case), Streptococcus dysgalactiae (1 case), Salmonella spp (1 case) and negative in 2 cases. The evolution was: total hip arthroplasty in 10 cases, spacer preserved in 2 cases, pending of hip replacement in 1 case and exitus in 1 case. All cases presented negative cultures at the moment of implantation of the definitive prosthesis. Conclusions. A 2-stage strategy using an antibiotic-loaded cement spacer prior to the definitive hip prosthesis is a good treatment for the septic arthritis of the hip in cases with important cartilage destruction

Aims. Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a challenging complication of any arthroplasty procedure. We reviewed our use of static antibiotic-loaded cement spacers (ABLCSs) for staged management of PJI where segmental bone loss, ligamentous instability, or soft-tissue defects necessitate a static construct. We reviewed factors contributing to their failure and techniques to avoid these complications when using ABLCSs in this context. Methods. A retrospective analysis was conducted of 94 patients undergoing first-stage revision of an infected knee prosthesis between September 2007 and January 2020 at a single institution. Radiographs and clinical records were used to assess and classify the incidence and causes of static spacer failure. Of the 94 cases, there were 19 primary total knee arthroplasties (TKAs), ten revision TKAs (varus-valgus constraint), 20 hinged TKAs, one arthrodesis (nail), one failed spacer (performed elsewhere), 21 distal femoral endoprosthetic arthroplasties, and 22 proximal tibial arthroplasties. Results. A total of 35/94 patients (37.2%) had spacer-related complications, of which 26/35 complications (74.3%) were because of mechanical failure of the spacer construct, while 9/35 (25.7%) were due to recurrence of infection. Risk factors for internal failure were a construct where the total intramedullary spacer length was less than twice the length of the central osseous defect (p = 0.009), where proximal or distal intraosseous spacer contact was < 10%, and after tibial tubercle osteotomy (p = 0.005). The incidence of spacer complications significantly increased the time to second stage: mean 157 days (42 to 458) in those without complications versus 227 days (11 to 528) with complications (p = 0.014). Conclusion. The failure rate of static antibiotic-loaded cement spacers is much higher than anticipated. Complications of the spacer significantly increased the time to second-stage revision. The risk of mechanical failure is significantly increased if the spacer is less than double the size of the segmental defect, or if inadequate reinforcement is inserted into the residual bone. These findings serve as a guide for surgeons to avoid mechanical complications with static spacers. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(10):1067–1073

Aim. The preparation of antibiotic-containing polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), as spacers generates a high polymerization heat, which may affect their antibiotic activity; it is desirable to use bone cement with a low polymerization heat. Calcium phosphate cement (CPC) does not generate heat on polymerization, and comparative elution testings are reported that vancomycin (VCM)-containing CPC (VCM-CPC) exceeded the antibiotic elution volume and period of PMMA (VCM-PMMA). Although CPC alone is a weak of mechanical property spacer, the double-layered, PMMA-covered CPC spacer has been created and clinically used in our hospital. In this study, we prepared the double-layered spacers: CPC covered with PMMA and we evaluated its elution concentration, antimicrobial activity and antibacterial capability. Method. We prepared spherical, double-layered, PMMA-coated (CPC+PMMA; 24 g CPC coated with 16 g PMMA and 2 g VCM) and PMMA alone (40 g PMMA with 2 g VCM) spacers (5 each). In order to facilitate VCM elution from the central CPC, we drilled multiple holes into the CPC from the spacer surface. Each spacer was immersed in phosphate buffer (1.5 mL/g of the spacer), and the solvent was changed daily. VCM concentrations were measured on days 1, 3, 7, 14, 28, 56, and 84. Antimicrobial activity against MRSA and MSSA was evaluated by the broth microdilution method. After measuring all the concentration, the spacers were compressed at 5 mm/min and the maximum compressive load up to destruction was measured. Results. The VCM concentration of the CPC+PMMA spacer exceeded that of the PMMA spacer at all-time points; in particular, it was approximately 7.3 times (109.30 vs. 15.03 μg/mL) and approximately 9.1 times (54.47 vs. 6.50 μg/mL) greater on days 14 and 28, respectively. Using the broth microdilution method, we found that the CPC+PMMA spacer had higher antimicrobial activity than the PMMA model. On day 56, the PMMA spacer lost the capability to inhibit bacterial growth, but the CPC+PMMA spacer maintained this ability. The average maximum compressive load for the CPC+PMMA was 7.28 kN, and that of PMMA was 16.21 kN. Conclusions. The CPC+PMMA spacer was superior to PMMA alone in VCM elution volume and duration, so CP- C+PMMA may be effective for the treatment of MRSA and MSSA infection. The double-layered, antibiotic-loaded cement spacer may maintain antibacterial capability and sufficient strength

Purpose. Failure resulting from a recurrent infection in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a challenging problem. Knee arthrodesis is one treatment option, however fusion is not always successful, as there is huge bone defect. The authors reports a new arthrodesis technique that uses a bundle of flexible intramedullary rods and an antibiotic-loaded cement spacer. Methods. There were 13 cases of arthrodesis due to recurrent periprosthetic joint infection, which were performed by the first author (WS Cho) at Asan Medical Center in Seoul from 2005 to 2014. All previous prosthetic components were removed and cement was thoroughly excised using a small osteotome. Two stage operation was done in most of cases. After thorough debridement, antibiotics loaded cement was inserted in first stage, flexible intramedullary rods were inserted retrogradely in the femoral side with the knee in flexion under fluoroscopy guidance. After filling the femoral intramedullary canal, the rods were then driven back securely into the tibial medullary canal. We aimed for as much rod length as possible to maximize stability. After 6 weeks of first stage operation, the rods of the femoral and tibial sides were arranged such that they overlapped and interdigitated to maximize mechanical strength, maintain the limb length and keep the rotational alignment. The interdigitating rod ends were tightly fixed using two (or three) cerclage wires. Antibiotic-loaded cement was filled into the knee joint space so that the cement is fit to the irregular contour of the femur and tibia, which was resulted from the severe bone loss. Postoperatively, patients were allowed to weight bear as tolerated. Results. The procedure was successful in every cases with no evidence of rod or cement failure at least 1 year follow up. Also there was no recurrence of infection. Conclusion. Although this simple method was not for bony union, the authors could achieve stable knee joint without recurrence of infection

Two-stage reconstructive technique has been proved to be a safe and effective method in the treatment of deep infection of hip joint implants. Between stages, however, the patients may be uncomfortable with limited mobility and activity because the joint function is severely restricted by the removal of the infected prosthesis and a thorough debridement. Furthermore, the delayed reimplantation procedure after a Girdlestone-like surgery is often complicated by shortening, bone loss, and dislocation due to scar formation, disuse osteoporosis, and distorted tissue planes. We reported the technical details of a new method to make a cement-on-cement prosthesis as a temporary spacer for the period between resection and reimplantion. The doughy cement, mixed with antibiotics, was introduced into a metal mold made with the shape of a unipolar prosthesis to form the femoral component. Several large K-wires were placed in the mold in advance to act as strut support in order to prevent late fracture of the cement prosthesis. The remained cement was put into the acetabular cavity and molded into a hemispherical shape with a retrieved unipolar prosthesis of identical femoral head size. After consolidation of the cement, the femoral component was taken out from the metal mold and implanted into the femoral canal with fixation by antibiotic-loaded cement on the proximal portion. Between the year 1999 and 2000, we have treated 42 infected hip implants by this technique with few complications. This new molding method has been a routine procedure in our practice. We believe it to be a simple, safe, and inexpensive way to eradicate local infection and provide comfort and mobility for the patient and an easier reimplantation procedure for the surgeon

Introduction and Aims: The purpose of this study was to assess pre-operative bone stock and immediate postoperative cement-bone interface as factors affecting infection control and mechanical outcome after one stage revision THR for deep infection. Method: This study included 115 cases which satisfied the following conditions: 1) One stage revision THR for deep infection was the primary intervention for infected hip replacement by a single surgeon (BMW) unless the bone stock was too poor for fixing implants; 2) follow-up of more than five years; 3) A complete series of radiographs was available for radiological study including pre-operative and immediate post-operative ones. Pre-operative bone stock was classified into four grades (Grade 0: No bone loss, Grade 1: Demarcation, Grade 2: Localised cavitation, Grade 3: Extensive bone loss). The immediate post-operative cement-bone interface was also graded into four categories (Grade A: White-out, obscure interface, Grade B: Clear line, no measurable gap, Grade C: Gap> 1mm, Grade D< 1mm). These two factors were analysed with regard to infection control and the mechanical survival of implants after surgery. Results: Bone stock did not have significant influence on infection control, while it did affect mechanical outcome. The cement-bone interface was an affecting factor for not only the mechanical survival of implants but also the cure of infection. Conclusion: There was a good chance of curing the infection even with extensive bone loss. Good cement fixation was an important factor with regard to infection control, as well as the mechanical survival of implants. The results suggested that it was important to shield the medullary space from the infected joint space with antibiotic-loaded cement in revision THR for deep infection

Aim

Aim was to compare revision rates when using single versus dual antibiotic loaded cement (ABLC) in hip fracture arthroplasty and aseptic revision hip or knee arthroplasty using data from the Dutch national joint registry (LROI).

Introduction

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) remains the main cause of failure in primary and revision total knee arthroplasties (TKAs). Local delivery of antibiotics, mainly antibiotic-loaded bone cement (ALBC), is commonly employed to prevent PJI. Over the past decade, tantalum and porous titanium have been successfully utilized as metaphyseal fixation devices to address bone loss and improve biologic fixation during revision TKA. However, no study has examined the antimicrobial properties compared to bone cement. The purpose of this study was to compare the ability of tantalum, 3D porous titanium, antibiotic-loaded bone cement (ALBC) and smooth titanium alloy (STA) to inhibit Staphylococci bacterial agents in an in vitro medium environment, based on the evaluation of the zone of inhibition (ZOI) and the antibacterial activity duration. Our study hypothesis was that we will found no significant difference between groups to inhibit Methicillin-Sensitive or Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA/MRSA) agents.

The management of infected total hip replacements is a challenging problem in orthopaedic surgery. Two-stage revision procedures usually involve the application of a temporary antibiotic-loaded polymethylmethacrylate spacer. A preformed spacer which allows weight-bearing and joint motion while ensuring a sustained antibiotic release was evaluated.

From September 1996 to March 2002, 26 consecutive patients with an infected total hip arthroplasty were treated by the insertion of an industrially preformed temporary spacer (Spacer-G®). This device comprises a cylindrical stainless-steel rod coated with bone cement supplemented with gentamicin (1.9% w/w) and vancomycin (2.5% w/w). The spacer is currently available in three sizes of head diameter, each size with two stem lengths. Joint mobilisation and assisted weight-bearing were permitted when the bone stock provided adequate mechanical stability of the spacer. Patients’ evaluation included clinical assessment and standard X-ray and laboratory parameters. Reimplantation was performed when serological parameters had normalised.

The spacer remained in situ for an average of 155 (70–272) days, allowing healing of the infection in 24 cases. Five patients required resection arthroplasty (two persistent infections, two inadequate local bone conditions and one acute recurrence of infection). A second spacer was implanted after 4 months in one subject. In four cases the spacer dislocated, because the head diameter was too small or because of a rotational instability of the stem in the femur. The successfully-reimplanted patients (21) were assessed with a mean 53 (22–88) months of follow-up, showing no clinical or bio-humoral signs of infection recurrence. Functional outcome was satisfactory with a mean value of Harris Hip Score of 79 (53–100), and no radiographic aspects of loosening were observed.

The Spacer-G® used in the two-stage revision of infected total hip replacements permitted an effective local antibiotic release together with some range of joint motion, which improved the quality of life of the patients during treatment of infection and accelerated recovery of function after reimplantation.

Introduction: In the two-stage revision procedure for infected total hip arthroplasty (THA), healing of the infection can be enhanced by using an antibiotic-loaded acrylic cement (ALAC) spacer. The spacer also acts as a temporary implant, preserving the gap between bone segments and a certain degree of joint motion.

Materials and methods: Between 1995 and 2003, 19 infected THAs were surgically treated by two-stage revision procedures, using gentamicin-loaded spacers. The infections were sustained by Staph. aureus in 7 cases, Staph. aureus + Enterococcus faecalis in 1 case, Staph. epidermidis in 4 cases, Strept, agalactiae in 1 case and Strept, β-haemoliticus in 1 case. In 5 hips presenting with secreting fistulae, no causative microrganisms were isolated.

Average interval between the two surgical stages was 5.5 months (range, 2 weeks to 13 months). Systemic antibiotics were administered to all patients for a minimum period of 6 weeks after removal of the infected implant. The revision stem was cemented in 5 patients and not cemented in 13 patients. All the acetabular components were uncemented. In one patient, the second stage procedure consisted exclusively in removal of the spacer and debridement, owing to persisting infection sustained by Staph. aureus + Staph. epidermidis.

Results: Seventeen patients were evaluated at an average follow up of 42.3 months (range, 6 to 92 months).

Recurrence of infection (Staph. aureus) occurred in 1 patient and was treated by resection-arthroplasty. Aseptic loosening of the stem was observed in 1 patient, who was subsequently treated by stem revision. Average Harris Hip Score was 78 points (range, 65 to 90 points).

Conclusions: The low incidence and the pathophysiologic heterogeneity of THA infections do not allow to identify standardised protocols for their treatment. Two-stage revision is one available option and several authors demonstrated higher rates of success when compared to one-stage revision. The use of ALAC spacers increases the efficacy of the procedure and in our experience positively influenced the clinical-functional outcome.

Aims. The aim of this study was to compare the ability of tantalum, 3D porous titanium, antibiotic-loaded bone cement, and smooth titanium alloy to inhibit staphylococci in an in vitro environment, based on the evaluation of the zone of inhibition (ZOI). The hypothesis was that there would be no significant difference in the inhibition of methicillin-sensitive or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA/MRSA) between the two groups. Methods. A total of 30 beads made of three different materials (tantalum/3D porous titanium and smooth titanium alloy) were bathed for one hour in a solution of 1 g vancomycin in 20 ml of sterile water for injection (bath concentration: 50 mg/mL). Ten 1 cm. 3. cylinders of antibiotic-loaded cement were also created by mixing standard surgical cement with 1 g of vancomycin in standardized sterile moulds. The cylinders were then placed on agar plates inoculated with MSSA and MRSA. The ZOIs were measured each day and the cylinders were transferred onto a new inoculated plate. Results. For MSSA and MRSA, no inhibitory effect was found in the control group, and antibiotic-loaded smooth titanium alloy beads showed a short inhibitory effect until day 2. For MSSA, both tantalum and 3D porous titanium beads showed significantly larger mean ZOIs than cement beads (all p < 0.01) each day until day 7 for tantalum and until day 3 for 3D porous titanium. After six days, antibiotic-loaded cement had significantly larger mean ZOIs than the 3D porous titanium (p = 0.027), but no significant difference was found with tantalum (p = 0.082). For MRSA, both tantalum and 3D porous titanium beads had significantly larger mean ZOIs than antibiotic-loaded cement each day until day 6 for tantalum (all p < 0.01) and until day 3 for 3D porous titanium (all p < 0.04). Antibiotic-loaded cement had significantly larger mean ZOIs than tantalum and 3D porous titanium from day 7 to 9 (all p < 0.042). Conclusion. These results show that porous metal implants can deliver local antibiotics over slightly varying time frames based on in vitro analysis. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(6 Supple A):158–162

Aims. The aim of this investigation was to compare risk of infection in both cemented and uncemented hemiarthroplasty (HA) as well as in total hip arthroplasty (THA) following femoral neck fracture. Methods. Data collection was performed using the German Arthroplasty Registry (EPRD). In HA and THA following femoral neck fracture, fixation method was divided into cemented and uncemented prostheses and paired according to age, sex, BMI, and the Elixhauser Comorbidity Index using Mahalanobis distance matching. Results. Overall in 13,612 cases of intracapsular femoral neck fracture, 9,110 (66.9%) HAs and 4,502 (33.1%) THAs were analyzed. Infection rate in HA was significantly reduced in cases with use of antibiotic-loaded cement compared with uncemented fixated prosthesis (p = 0.013). In patients with THA no statistical difference between cemented and uncemented prosthesis was registered, however after one year 2.4% of infections were detected in uncemented and 2.1% in cemented THA. In the subpopulation of HA after one year, 1.9% of infections were registered in cemented and 2.8% in uncemented HA. BMI (p = 0.001) and Elixhauser Comorbidity Index (p < 0.003) were identified as risk factors of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), while in THA cemented prosthesis also demonstrated an increased risk within the first 30 days (hazard ratio (HR) = 2.73; p = 0.010). Conclusion. The rate of infection after intracapsular femoral neck fracture was statistically significantly reduced in patients treated by antibiotic-loaded cemented HA. Particularly for patients with multiple risk factors for the development of a PJI, the usage of antibiotic-loaded bone cement seems to be a reasonable procedure for prevention of infection. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2023;12(5):331–338

Aims. To explore the effect of different types of articulating antibiotic-loaded cement spacers in two-stage revision for chronic hip prosthetic joint infection (PJI). Methods. A retrospective cohort study was performed involving 36 chronic PJI patients treated with different types of articulating antibiotic-loaded cement spacers between January 2014 and December 2017. The incidence of complications and the therapeutic effects of different types of antibiotic-loaded articulating cement spacers were compared. Results. A total of 36 patients with chronic hip PJI were included. Of these, 13 patients were treated with spacers with Kirschner wires as an endoskeleton (group I), ten patients were treated with spacers with a cemented femoral prosthesis as an endoskeleton (group II), and 13 patients were treated with cemented femoral prostheses combined with polyethylene sockets as a spacer (group III). All patients were followed for 12 to 60 months, with a mean follow-up period of 26.44 months (SEM 14.09). Infection was controlled in 34 patients (94.44%), and there were no significant differences in the eradication rate among the three groups (p = 0.705), but the risk of complications related to the spacer in group III was significantly lower than that in groups I and II (p = 0.006). Conclusion. Articulating antibiotic-loaded cement spacers is effective in the treatment of chronic hip PJI, but we must pay attention to the occurrence of spacer fracture and dislocation, which can lead to poor joint function. The risk of spacer-related mechanical complications is low, and better joint function can be achieved when using cemented femoral prostheses combined with polyethylene sockets as spacers. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2020;9(8):484–492

Aim. The aim of this investigation was to compare risk of infection in both cemented and cementless hemiarthroplasty (HA) as well as total hip arthroplasty (THA) following femoral neck fracture. Methods. Data collection was performed using the German Arthroplasty Registry (EPRD) In HA and THA following femoral neck fracture fixation method was divided into cemented and cementless protheses and paired according to age, sex, body mass index (BMI), and the Elixhauser score using Mahalanobis distance matching. Results. Overall in 13,612 cases of intracapsular femoral neck fracture, with 9,110 (66.9 %) HAs and 4502 (33.1 %) THAs were analyzed. Infection rate in HA was significantly reduced in cases with use of antibiotic-loaded cement compared to cementless fixated prosthesis (p=0.013). In patients with THA no statistical difference between cemented and cementless prothesis was registered, however after one year 2.4 % of infections were detected in cementless and 2.1 % in cemented THA. In the subpopulation of HA after one year 1.9 % of infections were registered in cemented and 2.8 % in cementless HA. BMI (p=0.001) and Elixhauser-Comorbidity-Score (p<0.003) were identified as risk factors of PJI, while in THA also cemented prosthesis demonstrated within the first 30 days an increased risk (HR=2.728; p=0.010). Conclusion. The rate of infection after intracapsular femoral neck fracture was significantly reduced in patients treated by antibiotic-loaded cemented hemiarthroplasty. In particular for patients with multiple risk factors for the development of a PJI the usage of antibiotic-loaded bone cement seems to be a reasonable procedure for prevention of infection

Aims. This study was designed to characterize the recurrence incidence and risk factors of antibiotic-loaded cement spacer (ALCS) for definitive bone defect treatment in limb osteomyelitis. Methods. We included adult patients with limb osteomyelitis who received debridement and ALCS insertion into the bone defect as definitive management between 2013 and 2020 in our clinical centre. The follow-up time was at least two years. Data on patients’ demographics, clinical characteristics, and infection recurrence were retrospectively collected and analyzed. Results. In total, 314 patients with a mean age of 52.1 years (SD 12.1) were enrolled. After a mean of 50 months’ (24 to 96) follow-up, 53 (16.9%) patients had infection recurrence including 32 tibiae, ten femora, ten calcanea, and one humerus. Of all patients with recurrence, 30 (9.6%) occurred within one year and 39 (12.4%) within two years. Among them, 41 patients needed reoperation, five received antibiotics treatment only, and seven ultimately required amputations. Following multivariable analysis, we found that patients infected with Gram-negative bacilli were more likely to have a recurrence (odds ratio (OR) 2.38, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.20 to 6.94; p = 0.046) compared to Staphylococcus aureus; segmental bone defects (OR 5.25, 95% CI 1.80 to 15.26; p = 0.002) and smoking (OR 3.00, 95% CI 1.39 to 6.50; p = 0.005) were also independent risk factors for recurrence after treatment. Conclusion. Permanent ALCS might be an alternative strategy for definitive bone defect management in selected osteomyelitis cases. However, the overall high recurrence found suggests that it should be cautiously treated. Additionally, segmental defects, Gram-negative infections, and smoking were associated with an increased risk of infection recurrence. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2023;12(8):467–475

The rate of peri-prosthetic infection following total joint replacement continues to rise, and attempts to curb this trend have included the use of antibiotic-loaded bone cement at the time of primary surgery. We have investigated the clinical- and cost-effectiveness of the use of antibiotic-loaded cement for primary total knee replacement (TKR) by comparing the rate of infection in 3048 TKRs performed without loaded cement over a three-year period versus the incidence of infection after 4830 TKRs performed with tobramycin-loaded cement over a later period of time of a similar duration. In order to adjust for confounding factors, the rate of infection in 3347 and 4702 uncemented total hip replacements (THR) performed during the same time periods, respectively, was also examined. There were no significant differences in the characteristics of the patients in the different cohorts. The absolute rate of infection increased when antibiotic-loaded cement was used in TKR. However, this rate of increase was less than the rate of increase in infection following uncemented THR during the same period. If the rise in the rate of infection observed in THR were extrapolated to the TKR cohort, 18 additional cases of infection would have been expected to occur in the cohort receiving antibiotic-loaded cement, compared with the number observed. Depending on the type of antibiotic-loaded cement that is used, its cost in all primary TKRs ranges between USD $2112.72 and USD $112 606.67 per case of infection that is prevented. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:65–9

Infected total hip arthroplasty (THA) is catastrophic, but it is treatable with a high degree of success. Two-stage revision with an antibiotic-loaded cement spacer is the most widely accepted method of treatment, and considered by some to be the best method; however, single-stage treatment currently is used widely, and is gaining acceptance. Although antibiotic-loaded cement is considered to be important for antibiotic delivery after surgery, cementless revision is equally successful with one- or two-stage procedures. Delivery of antibiotics with depot methods, such as cement or bone graft impregnated with antibiotics, is considered to be effective, but the antibiotic levels rapidly deteriorate after the first three days, leaving the cement itself vulnerable to colonization by resistant organisms. Nephrotoxicity is not common, but it does occur, and necessitates removal of the cement. This can be catastrophic if the implants are fixed with antibiotic-impregnated cement. Success rates of THA revision for infection can be as high as 98%, but this rate is dependent on the organism. Failure rates of 20% are the norm for resistant organisms such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, The cost of this failure rate is huge. Failure probably is due to the low concentration of antibiotics in the operative site. Antibiotic infusion into the operative site achieves concentrations that are hundreds of times higher than can be achieved with any other technique and has the additional advantage of being able to be discontinued in the case of renal or auditory damage. Limited personal experience suggests that the failure rate of revision total hip with resistant organisms is significantly lower with intra-articular delivery than with other currently available methods. Between January 2002 and July 2013, 9 patients (9 hips) presented with late-onset acute infections in cementless THA with bone-ingrown implants. These patients were all more than 2 years from their original surgery and had acute symptoms of infection for 4 to 9 days. Two were the author's patients and 7 were referred from another institution. None had symptoms until the onset of their infection, and none had postoperative wound complications, fever, or prolonged pain suggestive of a chronic process. All were treated with debridement and head/liner exchange, followed by catheter infusion of intraarticular antibiotics. All remained free of signs of infection at a mean follow-up of 74 months (range, 62–121 months). This sequential series of successful treatment of late-onset infection of osteointegrated total hip replacement suggests that this is a highly effective method. It has the advantages of being a single-stage procedure, and of avoiding the catastrophic surgical procedure of removing fully osteointegrated total hip replacements

Infected total hip arthroplasty (THA) is catastrophic, but it is treatable with a high degree of success. Two-stage revision with antibiotic-loaded cement spacer is the most widely accepted method of treatment, and considered by some to be the best method; however, single-stage treatment currently is used widely, and is gaining acceptance. Although antibiotic-loaded cement is considered to be important for antibiotic delivery after surgery, cementless revision is equally successful with one- or two-stage procedures. Delivery of antibiotics with depot methods, such as cement or bone graft impregnated with antibiotics, is considered to be very effective, but the antibiotic levels rapidly deteriorate after the first three days, leaving the cement itself vulnerable to colonization by resistant organisms. Nephrotoxicity is not common, but it does occur, and necessitates removal of the cement. This can be catastrophic if the implants are fixed with antibiotic-impregnated cement. Success rates of THA revision for infection can be as high as 98%, but this rate is dependent on the organism. Failure rates of 20% are the norm for resistant organisms such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The cost of this failure rate is huge. Failure probably is due to the low concentration of antibiotics in the operative site. Antibiotic infusion into the operative site achieves concentrations that are hundreds of times higher than can be achieved with any other technique and has the additional advantage of being able to be discontinued in the case of renal or otic damage. Limited personal experience suggests that the failure rate of revision total hip with resistant organisms is significantly lower with intra-articular delivery than with other currently available methods