Staged Custom Antibiotic Spacers for Infected Total Hip Arthroplasty
Author Information
Author(s): Atul F. Kamath, Okechukwu Anakwenze, Gwo-Chin Lee, Charles L. Nelson
Primary Institution: University of Pennsylvania
Hypothesis
Can a custom intramedullary antibiotic spacer effectively manage severe segmental bone loss in infected total hip arthroplasty?
Conclusion
A custom intramedullary nail antibiotic spacer is a reliable option for managing infected total hip arthroplasty with severe proximal femoral bone loss.
Supporting Evidence
- The mean Harris Hip Score at final follow-up was 80.
- Two patients had asymptomatic heterotopic ossification.
- One patient had a 2 cm leg-length discrepancy.
Takeaway
This study shows that using a special spacer can help people with serious hip infections keep their legs and walk better.
Methodology
Three patients with infected total hip arthroplasties and severe bone loss were treated with custom antibiotic spacers, and their outcomes were monitored over an average of 49 months.
Limitations
The small sample size and lack of a control group limit the generalizability of the findings.
Participant Demographics
Two males and one female, average age 53 years.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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