Pre-formed articulating knee spacer in two-stage revision for the infected total knee arthroplasty

Abstract

We performed a prospective study to assess safety and effectiveness of a pre-formed articulating spacer made of gentamicin-impregnated acrylic cement in the management of infected total knee arthroplasty. Twenty-one consecutive patients with unilateral deep infection were treated by two-stage revision in two centres. Two patients were excluded, and 19 patients remained available for assessment. The mean implantation time of the spacer was 12 weeks. The rehabilitation programme between stages consisted in early range of motion exercises and partial weight bearing. Mean follow-up after removal of the spacer and insertion of the final prosthesis was 24 (range, 12–43) months. No patient had recurrence of infection at the latest follow-up. The mean Knee Society functional score during spacer management was rated 75 points and was rated 84 points at the latest follow-up. No devicerelated complication was observed.