Since July 1996, we have treated 97 patients who developed sepsis following total knee arthroplasty and 53 who developed sepsis following total hip arthroplasty. We evaluated the rate of retention of prosthesis.

In 69 A-host patients, 80 B-host and 1 C-host, we identified 70 cases of Staphylococcus aureus, 76 of Staphylococcus epidermidis, 33 of Pseudomonas, 23 of Escherichia coli and 18 of Enterococcus. Five patients were diabetic.

Muscle flaps were used in 51 cases. Of the 131 patients available for follow-up, 94 healed with retention of prosthesis. Five patients had to undergo amputation. We are still treating 36 patients, some of whom have received a temporary prosthesis.

Most patients could be salvaged with a two-staged revision. Host status influenced outcome.