Old sepsis prior to total knee arthroplasty

A retrospective study of 65 cemented total knee arthroplasties in previously infected knees was performed. Two subgroups were identified: in Group I there was prior infection of both the bone and joint (20 patients) and in Group II there was only joint involvement (45 patients). Following primary total knee arthroplasty, deep infection occurred in three of 20 (15%) in Group I and in two of 45 (4%) in Group II, or five of 65 (7.7%) overall. Subsequent revision arthroplasty was required in 18. Of these 18 knees, three (17%) developed deep infection. Old sepsis, especially with associated osteomyelitis, results in a high rate of infection following total knee arthroplasty.     

Use of regional administration of prophylactic antibiotics in total knee arthroplasty

Prosthetic joint infection after total knee arthroplasty is an infrequent, yet serious complication. Antimicrobial prophylaxis plays an important role in reducing the rate of surgical site infections. To be effective as an antimicrobial prophylaxis, the serum, tissue and bone concentrations of the antibiotic must be greater than the target organism's minimum inhibitory concentration. As antibiotic resistance increases current intravenous prophylactic dosing has been shown to be subtherapeutic for some patients. Intravenous regional administration and intraosseous regional administration of prophylactic antibiotics are novel methods used to increase the antibiotic tissue concentrations, which may enhance the efficacy of prophylactic antibiotics in total knee arthroplasty. Currently, literature has shown both intravenous regional administration and intraosseous regional administration to be safe and effective techniques. However, there is no clinical evidence to show that it results in a reduction of prosthetic joint infection rates. This study summarizes the current knowledge base on the use of regional administration of prophylactic antibiotics in total knee arthroplasty.     

The ball and socket articulating spacer for infected total knee arthroplasty

Articulated antibiotic impregnated cement spacers permit knee motion and may facilitate patient mobilization during 2-stage treatment of infected total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, molds for articulating knee spacers are not always readily available. We have treated 13 infected total knee arthroplasties with large bone defects or collateral ligament loss using the rubber bulb portion of an irrigation syringe and a bipolar trial to create a ball and socket articulating spacer. This technique was successful in controlling infection in 9 of 13 knees. All patients were able to ambulate independently with the spacer in place using a walker or crutches, including one patient with bilateral spacers. At an average follow-up of 28 months after reimplantation, average knee flexion was 98 degrees .     

Antibiotic bone cement and the incidence of deep infection after total knee arthroplasty

We asked if the use of antibiotic-laden bone cement (ALBC) decreased the deep infection rate after primary total knee arthroplasty as compared to plain bone cement. We surveyed 1625 consecutive patients for relevant covariates. Joint pain and function were assessed at baseline and at 1 year of follow-up with the Western Ontario McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index scores. The incidence of deep infection at 1-year follow-up was recorded. There were no differences in baseline covariates between groups (P > .05). We found a deep infection rate of 2.2% in the ALBC group and 3.1% in the plain bone cement group (P = .27). Adjusted analysis showed that ALBC was not predictive of a lower infection rate at 1 year (P = .84). Antibiotic-laden bone cement did not reduce the incidence of deep infection following primary total knee arthroplasty at 1-year follow-up.     

Intramedullary rod and cement static spacer construct in chronically infected total knee arthroplasty

Two-stage reimplantation, with interval antibiotic-impregnated cement spacer, is the preferred treatment of prosthetic knee joint infections. In medically compromised hosts with prior failed surgeries, the outcomes are poor. Articulating spacers in such patients render the knee unstable; static spacers have risks of dislocation and extensor mechanism injury. We examined 58 infected total knee arthroplasties with extensive bone and soft tissue loss, treated with resection arthroplasty and intramedullary tibiofemoral rod and antibiotic-laden cement spacer. Thirty-seven patients underwent delayed reimplantation. Most patients (83.8%) were free from recurrent infection at mean follow-up of 29.4 months. Reinfection occurred in 16.2%, which required debridement. Twenty-one patients with poor operative risks remained with the spacer for 11.4 months. All patients, during spacer phase, had brace-free ambulation with simulated tibiofemoral fusion, without bone loss or loss of limb length.     

保留假体清创术在膝关节假体周围感染中的应用

目的探讨保留假体清创结合抗生素骨水泥间质体填充及负压封闭引流技术辅助治疗膝关节置换术后假体周围感染的疗效。 方法选取2014年6月至2019年6月收治的12例膝关节置换术后假体周围感染的病历资料，男女各6例；平均年龄(60±9)岁。所有患者均行膝关节彻底清创，取出聚乙烯衬垫，使用万古霉素骨水泥间质体填充，负压封闭引流技术(VSD)，术后生理盐水持续冲洗1周为一周期，待感染控制后取出间质体更换同种型号衬垫并关闭术口。术后使用万古霉素稀释后关节腔注射，并复查白细胞、降钙素原、血沉、C-反应蛋白检测感染控制情况。采用独立样本t检验分析比较术前及术后3个月视觉模拟评分法(VAS)、美国特种外科医院膝关节评分(HSS)评估患者症状改善及功能恢复情况。 结果所有患者经过3～4周治疗，术口均甲级愈合，复查白细胞、降钙素原、血沉、C-反应蛋白等指标逐渐恢复正常。出院后患者均获得12～60个月随访，平均(30.1±17.8)个月。患者均无感染复发或新的感染，术后3月VAS评分及HSS评分[VAS评分(1.1±1.0)分；HSS评分(87.3±5.4)分]与治疗前相比[VAS评分(5.5±1.4)分；HSS评分(43.0±16.2)分]相比明显改善(t＝8.713，P <0.05; t＝8.970，P <0.05)。 结论保留假体清创结合抗生素骨水泥间质体填充及负压封闭引流技术在治疗膝关节置换术后假体周围感染中能够有效控制感染且保留良好的关节功能。     

Febrile response after knee and hip arthroplasty.

Documentation of the normal fever response after total knee and hip replacement is important to avoid an unnecessary workup for sepsis, and to provide justification for early discharge (dictated by the current medical reimbursement climate) despite persistent postoperative fever. One hundred patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty and 100 patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty were reviewed, several of whom had extensive sepsis workups for evaluation of postoperative fever. No patient in this series had a documented joint infection. All patients were treated with warfarin for deep vein thombrosis prophylaxis. All patients used incentive spirometry and were started on ambulation training on postoperative Day 1. All were given antibiotic prophylaxis for 48 hours. The maximum daily postoperative temperature occurred in most patients on postoperative Day 1 and gradually leveled off toward normal by postoperative Day 5. Only one patient had a maximum temperature on postoperative Day 4 that was greater than that on postoperative Day 3. Patients undergoing revision procedures tended to have a more pronounced febrile response, but the differences were not statistically significant. No significant differences were seen between patients who had epidural anesthesia and patients who had general anesthesia. Seventeen patients had postoperative chest radiographs for evaluation of fever. None had significant atelectasis. The presence of a positive urine culture had no effect on the fever response, with most positive results being identified after the fever had returned toward normal. Postoperative fever after total joint arthroplasty is a normal inflammatory response. A workup for sepsis is not indicated in the perioperative period unless corroborating signs or symptoms are present. Early discharge is appropriate if the febrile response is decreasing progressively.     

Use of antibiotic-loaded cement in total knee arthroplasty

Bone cement has the capacity to release antibiotic molecules if any antibiotic is included in it, and these elution properties are improved as cement porosity is increased. In vitro studies have shown high local antibiotic concentration for many hours or few days after its use. Antibiotic loaded bone cement (ALBC) is helpful when treating an infection in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) revision surgery. The purpose of this paper was to review the evidence for the routine use of ALBC in TKA in the literature, its pros and cons. Many authors have recommended the use of ALBC also in primary TKA for infection prophylaxis, but the evidence based on data from National Registries, randomized clinical trials and meta-analysis suggest a protective effect of ALBC against infection when used in hips, but not (or only mild) in knees. A possible explanation to this finding is that the duration and quantity of locally elevated antibiotic levels after surgery are smaller in TKA, due to the smaller amount of cement used for fixation in TKA-only a layer in the bone surface. There are some concerns about the routine use of ALBC in primary TKA as prophylaxis against infection: Firstly, there is a risk of hypersensivity or toxicity even when the chance is highly improbable. Secondly, there is a reduction in the mechanical properties of the cement, but this can be probably neglected if the antibiotic is used in low doses, not more than 1 g per 40 g cement package. Another significant concern is the increased economic cost, which could be overlooked if there were enough savings in treating fewer prosthetic infections. Finally, there is also a risk of selection of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria and this could be the main concern. If used, the choice of the antibiotic mixed in ALBC should consider microbiological aspects (broad antimicrobial spectrum and low rate of resistant bacteria), physical and chemical aspects (thermal stability, high water solubility), pharmacological characteristics (low risk to allergic reactions or toxicity) and economic aspects (not too expensive). The most commonly used antibiotics in ALBC are gentamicin, tobramycin and vancomycin. In conclusion, there is a paucity of randomized clinical trials in the use of ALBC in primary TKAs and the actual evidence of the effect of ALBC in reducing the risk of infection is insufficient. This, in addition to concerns about patient safety, risks of increase in the antibiotic resistance of microorganisms and the increase in costs in the procedure, lead us to recommend a cautious use of ALBC, perhaps only in high-risk patients (immunocompromised, morbidly obese, diabetic and patients with previous history of fracture or infection around the knee) unless the benefits of ALBC use were fully proven. Meanwhile, the rigorous use of peri-operative prophylactic systemic antibiotics and adoption of efficient antiseptic procedures and improved surgical techniques must be considered the gold standard in infection prevention in TKA surgery.     

The Stanmore knee arthrodesis prosthesis

Knee arthrodesis is most commonly performed for failed total knee arthroplasty. Conventional arthrodesis techniques are associated with a high incidence of complications and are unsuitable in cases with extensive bone loss. We report our medium-term results using a custom-made cemented knee arthrodesis prosthesis in 10 patients with a mean follow-up of 56.4 months (range, 15-199 months). The prosthesis was implanted as a 1- or 2-stage procedure for infected revision knee arthroplasty or tumor endoprosthesis in 9 patients and as a primary procedure in 1 patient with angiosarcoma involving the knee extensor mechanism. The average combined femoral and tibial bone deficit was 170 mm (range, 56-220 mm). Implant survivorship was 90%. All patients with retained prosthesis had no evidence of residual infection or loosening and were able to mobilize independently. One prosthesis was revised though retained following a prosthetic fracture, and 1 patient underwent above-knee amputation for uncontrolled infection. We conclude that the Stanmore knee arthrodesis prosthesis provides reliable fusion in an otherwise difficult-to-treat group of patients.     

Comprehensive meta-analysis of antibiotic-impregnated bone cement versus plain bone cement in primary total knee arthroplasty for preventing periprosthetic joint infection

PurposeAntibiotic-loaded bone cement (ALBC) was usually used to prevent periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) in primary total knee arthroplasty (PTKA), but whether to use ALBC or plain bone cement in PTKA remains unclear. We aimed to compare the occurrence rate of PJI using two different cements, and to investigate the efficacy of different antibiotic types and doses administered in preventing surgical site infection (SSI) with ALBC.MethodsThe availability of ALBC for preventing PJI was evaluated by using a systematic review and meta-analysis referring to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Existing articles until December 2021 involving PTKA patients with both ALBC and plain bone cement cohorts were scanned by searching “total knee arthroplasty”, “antibiotic-loaded cement”, “antibiotic prophylaxis”, “antibiotic-impregnated cement” and “antibiotic-laden cement” in the database of PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library. Subgroup analysis included the effectiveness of different antibiotic types and doses in preventing SSI with ALBC. The modified Jadad scale was employed to score the qualities of included articles.ResultsEleven quantitative studies were enrolled, including 34,159 knees undergoing PTKA. The meta-analysis results demonstrated that the use of prophylactic ALBC could significantly reduce the prevalence of deep incisional SSI after PTKA, whereas there was no significant reduction in the rate of superficial incisional SSI. Moreover, gentamicin-loaded cement was effective in preventing deep incisional SSI, and the use of high-dose ALBC significantly reduced the rate of deep incisional SSI after PTKA. Besides, no significant adverse reactions and complications were stated during the use of ALBC in PTKA.ConclusionThe preventive application of ALBC during PTKA could reduce the rates of deep PJI. Furthermore, bone cement containing gentamicin and high-dose ALBC could even better prevent deep infection after PTKA. However, the existing related articles are mostly single-center and retrospective studies, and further high-quality ones are needed for confirmation.     

Incidence of pulmonary embolism in total knee arthroplasty.

The end-tidal carbon dioxide concentration (ETCO2) of 47 patients undergoing prosthetic knee operations was monitored to detect pulmonary embolism during the anthroplasties. The ETCO2 of one patient dropped suddenly following the release of the tourniquet and insertion of the bone cement. Intracardiac aspiration did not reveal any air. At autopsy there was massive pulmonary thromboembolism and the deep veins of the right leg contained old formed thrombi. Patients undergoing such procedures should be investigated to exclude the presence of deep vein thrombosis so that measures to prevent pulmonary thromboembolism must be taken well in advance. As regards the occurrence of air embolism it is believed that insertion of the bone cement is the most important single factor in the prevention of air embolism during knee arthroplasty.     

Cefuroxime in total joint arthroplasty. Intravenous or in bone cement

A prospective randomized clinical trial was performed in two centers to compare the effect of systemic cefuroxime and cefuroxime in bone cement in the prophylaxis of infection after total joint arthroplasty. In two comparable groups comprising 200 and 201 patients, there was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of superficial wound infection. The early deep infection rate was 1%, with no difference detected between the group that received antibiotic in bone cement and the group that received systemic antibiotic. There were no late deep infections. It is concluded that cefuroxime given systemically or in bone cement is an effective antibiotic in the prophylaxis of infection after total joint arthroplasty.     

Arthrodesis of the knee with a long intramedullary nail following the failure of a total knee arthroplasty as the result of infection

BACKGROUND: Knee arthrodesis can be an effective treatment option for relieving pain and restoring some function after the failure of a total knee arthroplasty as the result of infection. The purpose of the present study was to review the outcome of a staged approach for arthrodesis of the knee with a long intramedullary nail after the failure of a total knee arthroplasty as the result of infection. METHODS: We reviewed the results for twelve patients who underwent knee arthrodesis after the removal of a prosthesis because of infection. The study group included seven women and five men who had an average age of sixty-eight years at the time of the arthrodesis. All patients were managed with a staged protocol. Implant removal, débridement, and insertion of antibiotic cement spacers was followed by the administration of systemic antibiotics. Provided that clinical and laboratory data suggested eradication of the infection, arthrodesis of the affected knee with use of a long intramedullary nail was carried out. Clinical and laboratory evaluation and radiographic analysis were performed after an average duration of follow-up of 4.1 years. RESULTS: Solid union was achieved in ten of the twelve knees. The average time to union was 5.5 months. One patient had an above-the-knee amputation because of recurrence of infection. In another patient, nail breakage occurred three years following implantation. The average limb-length discrepancy was 5.5 cm. The mean Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score improved from 41 to 64 points. None of the seven patients who underwent arthrodesis with a technique involving convex-to-concave reamers had a complication, and the average time to union for these seven patients was shorter than that for the remaining five patients (4.3 compared with 7.4 months). CONCLUSIONS: We believe that obtaining large surfaces of bleeding contact bone during arthrodesis following staged treatment of an infection at the site of a failed total knee arthroplasty contributes to stability and enhances bone-healing. Staged arthrodesis with use of a long intramedullary nail and convex-to-concave preparation of bone ends provided a painless functional gait with low complication and reoperation rates in this challenging group of patients.     

Allergic reaction to components of bone cement after total knee arthroplasty

There are many reports about allergic reactions in association with total hip or knee arthroplasty. While most studies focus on allergic reactions to metallic components, only few reports exist about reactions to bone cement or its ingredients. We report about a patient who developed eczema at the knee and the lower leg one year after cemented TKR. Patch testing showed as potential causes contact allergic reactions to nickel and benzoylperoxide, an ingredient of the here used bone cement. The local and temporal association between onset of eczema and knee arthroplasty suggests a causal link. Benzoylperoxide as potential contact allergen in bone cement is so far almost neglected. The development of extended testing procedures and data collection should provide further information and better care of these patients. The development of special bone cements for patients with allergic diathesis is requested.     

人工全膝关节置换术后深部感染的一期假体再置换

人工膝关节置换术后深部感染的处理非常棘手,作者采用一期人工膝关节再置换术治疗８例患者,其中包括晚期感染７例,占８７．５％。平均随访２０．１个月,患者疼痛症状明显缓解,无１例感染复发,但功能恢复欠佳。作者认为：（１）一期再置换术是治疗深部感染的一种可选择方法;（２）使用抗生素骨水泥固定,链霉素粉剂埋入关节腔及软组织内,有助于减少术后感染复发;（３）深部感染明确后,应尽早行一期再置换,以减少骨组织的进一步破坏;（４）一期再置换术的长期疗效尚需进一步观察和随访。     

Managing skin necrosis and prosthesis subluxation after total knee arthroplasty

Skin necrosis and prosthetic subluxation are dreaded complications after total knee arthroplasty. It can result in deep infection with subsequent failure of prosthesis. The incidence of infection in patients with rheumatoid arthritis who undergo knee arthroplasty is high when compared to patients with primary osteoarthritis. The gastrocnemius muscle flap has been described for cover of proximal tibia and tendon loss because of malignancy and has been used as a bridge graft in trauma patients with patellar tendon loss. We describe a patient with total knee arthroplasty with anterior knee skin necrosis and prosthesis subluxation because of attenuation and loss of continuity of patellar tendon. This was managed by using gastrocnemius bridge grafting. Here, the gastrocnemius bridge graft was used as a soft tissue cover as well as a dynamic anterior stabilizer for the prosthesis.     

抗生素骨水泥间隔体在全膝关节置换术后感染二期翻修中的应用

 目的 总结关节型抗生素骨水泥间隔体技术治疗全膝关节置换术后迟发深部感染的技术要点与初步经验。方法 2006年1月至2009年2月接受二期翻修治疗的全膝关节置换术后迟发深部感染患者21例(21膝),男8例,女13例;年龄56～83岁,平均64.4岁。一期手术中彻底清创,取出假体,植入含高浓度万古霉素的关节型骨水泥间隔体;术后静脉滴注敏感抗生素2～8周,感染控制后二期植入翻修假体。结果 全部患者获得随访,随访时间17~54个月,平均32.2个月。无一例出现感染复发。终末随访时,KSS膝关节评分、功能评分、疼痛评分及膝关节活动范围均较术前明显改善,伸膝迟滞程度无明显加重。两次手术间隔平均11.5周。间隔体取出前后骨缺损程度未见明显改变。治疗期间未见明显肝、肾功能异常及伤口愈合不良、深静脉血栓形成、肺栓塞、心脑血管意外等并发症。结论 应用关节型抗生素骨水泥间隔体技术可在一定程度上保持间隔期内的膝关节功能、避免骨量丢失,相关并发症少。彻底清创、间隔期内使用敏感抗生素、准确判断翻修假体植入时机是治疗成功的关键。     

Primary total knee arthroplasty in patients with psoriasis

Between 1976 and 1988, 50 primary total knee arthroplasties were performed on 34 patients with psoriasis vulgaris. The skin lesions were graded for severity in all patients and the extent of affected body surface was mapped. All patients received peri-operative antibiotics. Only one deep infection, with Staphylococcus aureus, occurred 25 months after operation. The average length of follow-up was nearly four and a half years, being to a minimum of two years or until failure of the arthroplasty. There appears to be no increased risk of deep infection in patient with psoriasis vulgaris undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty.     

Results of direct exchange or debridement of the infected total knee arthroplasty

In this literature review, 30 reports provided outcome data on 37 direct exchange arthroplasties, 530 open debridements, and 23 arthroscopic debridements. The average followup was approximately 4 years, but the range was broad (range, 0.02-14 years). Infection was controlled in 33 of the 37 infected total knee arthroplasties (89.2%) treated by direct exchange arthroplasty, in only 173 of the 530 infected total knee arthroplasties (32.6%) treated by open debridement and retention of the prosthetic components, and in 12 of the 23 infected total knee arthroplasties (52.2%) treated by arthroscopic debridement. There was wide variability in associated antibiotic therapy. Factors associated with successful direct exchange included infections by gram-positive organisms, absence of sinus formation, use of antibiotic-impregnated bone cement for the new prosthesis, and 12 weeks of antibiotic therapy. Direct exchange arthroplasty failed in four of 37 knees; two were in patients with rheumatoid arthritis who were taking corticosteroids. Factors associated with successful debridements included those done within 4 months of the index procedure, or in patients with less than 4 weeks of symptoms, antibiotic sensitive gram-positive organisms, well-fixed components with no radiologic evidence of osteitis, and in young healthy patients. Factors associated with the failed debridements included postoperative drainage for more than 2 weeks, sinus tracts present at the time of the debridement, a hinged prosthesis, and an immunocompromised host. Direct exchange can be successful with a sensitive organism in a healthy host with prolonged antibiotic therapy. Debridement can be successful in early infections in a healthy host.     

The value of preoperative knee aspiration and arthroscopic biopsy in revision total knee arthroplasty

AIM: The accurate preoperative diagnosis of occult sepsis in endoprosthetic loosening of total knee arthroplasty is the key to successful management of revision total knee arthroplasties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of preoperative aspiration in comparison with preoperative arthroscopic biopsy of the synovial tissue. METHOD: From 2000 to 2004 eighty-six revision total knee arthroplasties in 86 patients were performed. 60 patients had only a knee aspiration, 15 an arthroscopic biopsy and an aspiration, 11 only arthroscopic biopsy. The results of both methods were compared with the intraoperative cultures during revision surgery. RESULTS: 69 aseptic and 17 septic knee exchange arthroplasties were performed. The preoperative aspiration of the prosthetic knee joint had a sensitivity of 68.8 %, specificity of 96.6 %, positive predictive value of 84.5 % and a negative predictive value of 92.2 %. The preoperative arthroscopic biopsy had a sensitivity of 100 %, specificity of 94.7 %, positive predictive value of 87.4 % and a negative predictive value of 100 %. CONCLUSION: Preoperative aspiration of the knee is a very helpful study for the diagnosis or exclusion of infection in a prosthetic knee joint and should be a standard procedure in the diagnosis of prosthetic loosening. If after aspiration a suspicion of infection remains, then the biopsy is an accurate procedure to diagnose or exclude periprosthetic sepsis.