External fixator arthrodesis antibiotic spacer in two-stage revision total knee arthroplasty for eradication of periprosthetic joint infection

Brian P. Chalmers, Nicholas M. Hernandez, Brandon J. Yuan, Matthew P. Abdel, David G. Lewallen, Kevin I. Perry

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Two-stage revision total knee arthroplasty remains the gold standard for management of chronic periprosthetic joint infection in North America. Static cement antibiotic spacers used after knee resection to deliver high-dose antibiotics lack primary stability, potentially leading to spacer migration or dislocation, additional bone loss, extensor mechanism erosion, and even knee subluxation or frank dislocation. A custom brace or cast is often required to augment knee stability, which is time-consuming, costly, and prevents monitoring or wound care of the soft tissues. An external fixator arthrodesis antibiotic spacer can provide primary stability without a brace or cast, allowing for soft-tissue monitoring and care, and minimizes potential spacer complications. We present the technique for implanting and removing this specific external fixator arthrodesis antibiotic spacer.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)309-313
Number of pages5
JournalArthroplasty Today
Volume5
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2019

Keywords

  • Antibiotic spacer
  • Infection
  • Periprosthetic joint infection
  • Static spacer
  • Total knee arthroplasty

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery
  • Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

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