Introduction: From 1972–2003, 205 arthroplasties of infected hips were performed in the Musculoskeletal Infectious Disease Unit of our hospital. Using as a basis the outcome for conventional one-and two-stage hip replacement with cemented implants and antibiotics performed in these patients, we designed a new two-stage hip replacement protocol using «personalized» solid spacers and non-cemented components.

Material and Methods: A total of 44 patients were treated with our protocol. Patient characteristics are described, as well as an elevated incidence of associated disease, the causative microorganisms, and therapy provided. Most of the cases had failed other treatment methods. Strict application of the protocol implied:

Previous identification of the infective microorganism

Results: Reactivation of infection occurred in only one case. The patient was cured with antibiotic administration. The remaining patients remained free of infection for a mean follow up period of 64.54 months (19.77–86.63 months). The septic process was erradicated in 96% of cases. Five-year implant survival was 100%.

Conclusions:

Cement with antibiotics is not essential for prosthesis reimplantation when replacement is performed in two-stage.

Introduction and Objectives: Arthrodesis of the knee is the method that most readily controls septic processes and results in a non-painful, stable knee joint. However, the disadvantages of this technique are shortening of the limb and a loss of joint function.

Materials and Methods: We present here our unit’s experience in the use of the Orthofíx ® transport system on the anterior surface to stabilise this type of arthrodesis. We used radiological techniques to evaluate the alignment and coaptation of the surfaces to be arthodesed. We also assessed functional capacity, postoperative patient satisfaction, rate of repeat arthrodesis, consolidation time, and complications associated with this method.

Results: According to our results, femorotibial arthrodesis with the bone transport system provides all the advantages of monolateral external fixation while allowing compression of the point of arthrodesis, achieving perfect coaptation, and providing extraordinary rigidity to the mounting.

Discussion and Conclusions: As with all other procedures, femorotibial arthrodesis has its complications. The complication directly related to knee arthrodesis is femorotibial non-union, which is correlated with a loss of bone stock, incomplete coaptation, poor alignment of the limb, persistent infection, and inadequate immobilisation. We believe this procedure produces a functional limb with significant relief of pain in most patients.