Infected Total Knee Arthroplasty Research Articles

Acute Tubular Necrosis Associated With High Serum Vancomycin and Tobramycin Levels After Revision of Total Knee Arthroplasty With Antibiotic-Containing Calcium Sulfate Beads.

We present the case of a 59-year-old male who developed acute tubular necrosis with a serum tobramycin level of 15.9 mg/L after instillation of tobramycin and vancomycin calcium sulfate beads for infected total knee arthroplasty. We emphasize standardizing surgical protocols to mitigate nephrotoxicity based on current efficacy and safety data.

Management of Chronically Infected Total Knee Arthroplasty With Severe Bone Loss Using Static Spacers With Intramedullary Rods

BackgroundTwo-stage revision with static antibiotic spacers is the preferred treatment for chronically infected total knee arthroplasty (TKA) associated with severe bone loss. Intramedullary rods to reinforce static spacers have been described. On those, however, bacterial colonization may occur and hamper infection control. This study reports the microbiological findings on the spacer rods and the treatment outcome among these patients. MethodsWe reviewed 97 infected TKA with extensive bone loss treated with antibiotic-loaded cement spacers reinforced with intramedullary rods. Mean interim period with the spacer in situ was 9 weeks (range: 6-24 weeks). Intraoperative cultures and sonicated spacer rods were analyzed. Mean follow-up after TKA reimplantation was 41 months (range: 27-56 months). Treatment success was defined using the modified Delphi consensus criteria. ResultsTwenty-two patients (23%) had treatment failure, including 3 reinfections caused by the same organism, 9 reinfections caused by a different organism, 9 patients required interim spacer exchange, and 1 patient died in the early postoperative course. Sonication cultures of the spacer rods were positive in 2 cases (2%), and none of them failed. Host and limb status was significantly worse in patients who sustained reinfection. At the latest follow-up, all patients had a TKA in place, and 2 patients received chronic antibiotic suppression. ConclusionTwo-stage revision with the use of intramedullary rods is a safe and efficient treatment for chronically infected TKA with severe bone loss. Most reinfections grew different organisms compared with initial infection. Compromised hosts and extremities may be subjected to chronic antibiotic suppression.

Reduced wound leakage in arthroplasty with modified wound closure: a retrospective cohort study.

Wound leakage has been shown to increase the risk of prosthetic joint infections (PJIs) in primary total hip (THA) and knee arthroplasty (unicondylar and total knee arthroplasty; KA). The aim of this study is to determine whether the addition of a continuous subcuticular bonding stitch to a conventional three-layer closure method reduces the incidence of prolonged wound leakage and PJIs after THA and KA. This retrospective cohort study included all patients receiving a THA or KA. Patients in the control group with a three-layer closure method had surgery between November 1st 2015 and October 31st 2016, and were compared to the study group with a four-layer closure method that had surgery between January 1st 2017 and December 31st 2018. The primary outcome was incidence of prolonged wound leakage longer than 72h. Differences were evaluated using logistic regression. Incidence of PJIs was the secondary outcome. A total of 439 THA and 339 KA in the control group and 460 THA and 350 KA in the study group were included. In the control group, 11.7% of the patients had a prolonged leaking wound compared to 1.9% in the study group (p < 0.001). The modified wound closure method showed a protective effect for obtaining prolonged wound leakage; odds ratios were 0.09 (95% CI 0.04-0.22; p < 0.001) for THA and 0.21 (95% CI 0.10-0.43; p < 0.001) for KA. PJIs decreased from 1.54 to 0.37% (p = 0.019). The addition of a continuous subcuticular bonding stitch reduces the incidence of prolonged wound leakage and PJIs after THA and KA compared to a conventional three-layer wound closure method. The large reduction of incidence in wound leakage and PJIs in this study, combined with relatively negligible cost and effort of the modified wound closure method, would advocate for implementing this wound closure method in arthroplasty.

The Cost Effectiveness of Dilute Betadine Lavage for Infection Prophylaxis in Total Joint Arthroplasty

BackgroundThis article presents a break-even analysis for intraoperative Betadine lavage for the prevention of infection in total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). MethodsProtocol costs, baseline infection rates after arthroplasty, and average revision costs were obtained from institutional records and the literature. The break-even analysis determined the absolute risk reduction (ARR) in infection rate required for cost effectiveness. ResultsAt our institutional price of $2.54, dilute (0.35%) Betadine lavage would be cost effective if initial infection rates of both TKA (1.10%) and THA (1.63%) have an ARR of 0.01%. At a hypothetical lowest cost of $0.50, the ARR is so low as to be immediately cost effective. At a hypothetical high price of $40.00, Betadine is cost effective with ARRs of 0.16% (TKA) and 0.13% (THA). ConclusionIntraoperative Betadine lavage, at typical institutional prices, can be highly cost effective in reducing infection after joint arthroplasty.

Single-Stage Revision Surgery in Infected Total Knee Arthroplasty: A PRISMA Systematic Review.

Periprosthetic joint infection in total knee arthroplasty is a significant complication that is a common reason for revision surgery. The current standard of care is two-stage revision surgery. There is however increasing evidence to support the use of single-stage revision surgery. We conducted a PRISMA systematic review of the current evidence on the use of single-stage revision for infected total knee arthroplasty. Four databases (PubMed, Embase, Science Direct, and Cochrane Library) were systematically screened for eligible studies. The risk bias of each study was identified using ROBINS-I tool, and the quality of evidence was assessed using the GRADE criteria. Sixteen articles were retained after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria that evaluated 3645 knee single-stage revision surgeries. Our review reveals satisfactory outcomes for single-stage revision in the management of infected total knee arthroplasty. The reinfection rates in the studies included in our review varied however the majority reported low reinfection rates and good functional outcomes. Although strict patient selection criteria have yielded successful results, good results were also reported when these criteria were not applied. The greater use of risk factors in identifying patients likely to have a successful outcome needs to be balanced with the practical benefits of performing a single stage procedure in higher risk patients. Future large clinical randomized control trials are required to confirm our results.

Failed Debridement and Implant Retention Does Not Compromise the Success of Subsequent Staged Revision in Infected Total Knee Arthroplasty

BackgroundPeriprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is the leading cause of early revisions after total knee arthroplasty. Debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention (DAIR) procedures are often the initial treatment for PJI. However, there is concern that failed DAIR undermines the future success of revision procedures. This study aims to investigate the impact of DAIR on the success of subsequent staged revisions for PJI. MethodsA multicenter retrospective review was performed over a 15-year period. Treatment success was defined as implant retention without the use of long-term suppressive antibiotics. This was compared between patients who underwent a staged revision as the first procedure for PJI (staged-only) and patients who failed DAIR before staged revision (F-DAIR). Competing risk survival analysis was performed to compare the 2 groups and considered for patient demographics, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, organism type, body mass index, age of prosthesis, and duration of symptoms. ResultsOf 291 eligible patients, 63 underwent staged revision and 228 underwent DAIR as the first procedure for PJI. Of the 228 DAIR patients, 75 failed DAIR and underwent subsequent staged revision (F-DAIR). At mean follow-up of 6.2 years, the success rate was 72% in the F-DAIR group and 81% in the staged-only group. On survival analysis, there was no significant difference in subdistribution hazard ratio comparing the probability of failure (implant retention) in the 2 treatments groups (subdistribution hazard ratio = 0.72; 95% confidence interval 0.32-1.61; P = .42). ConclusionThis study suggested that a previously failed DAIR does not compromise the success rate of a subsequent staged revision.

Does the Use of Antibiotic-Loaded Bone Cement Have an Effect on Deep Infection in Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty Practice?

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is performed to improve the quality of life by reducing knee arthralgia. One of the most destructive and expensive complications of TKA is deep infection. The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of using antibiotic-loaded bone cement (ALBC) on the incidence of deep infection after primary TKA. A total of 506 patients who underwent primary knee arthroplasty at the Antalya Training and Research Hospital between February 2009 and January 2016 were investigated retrospectively. The ALBC was used for 85 patients (16.7%), who constituted group 1. Plain bone cement was used for 421 patients (83.2%), who constituted group 2. Deep infection was observed in one patient (1.1%) in group 1 and in six patients (1.4%) in group 2, a difference that is not statistically significant. On average, the deep infection occurred six months after the surgery at the earliest and 19 months at the latest. Use of ALBC did not decrease the incidence of deep infection in TKA. Therefore, we prefer bone cement without any antibiotic.

Reconsidering Strategies for Managing Chronic Periprosthetic Joint Infection in Total Knee Arthroplasty: Using Decision Analytics to Find the Optimal Strategy Between One-Stage and Two-Stage Total Knee Revision.

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) following total knee arthroplasty is a growing concern, as the demand for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) expands annually. Although 2-stage revision is considered the gold standard in management, there is substantial morbidity and mortality associated with this strategy. One-stage revision is associated with lower mortality rates and better quality of life, and there has been increased interest in utilizing the 1-stage strategy. However, surgeons are faced with a difficult decision regarding which strategy to use to treat these infections, considering uncertainty with respect to eradication of infection, quality of life, and societal costs with each strategy. The purpose of the current study was to use decision analysis to determine the optimal decision for the management of PJI following TKA. An expected-value decision tree was constructed to estimate the quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) and costs associated with 1-stage and 2-stage revision. Two decision trees were created: Decision Tree 1 was constructed for all pathogens, and Decision Tree 2 was constructed solely for difficult-to-treat infections, including methicillin-resistant infections. Values for parameters in the decision model, such as mortality rate, reinfection rate, and need for additional surgeries, were derived from the literature. Medical costs were derived from Medicare data. Sensitivity analysis determined which parameters in the decision model had the most influence on the optimal strategy. In both decision trees, the 1-stage strategy produced greater health utility while also being more cost-effective. In the Monte Carlo simulation for Decision Trees 1 and 2, 1-stage was the dominant strategy in about 85% and 69% of the trials, respectively. Sensitivity analysis showed that the reinfection and 1-year mortality rates were the most sensitive parameters influencing the optimal decision. Despite 2-stage revision being considered the current gold standard for infection eradication in patients with PJI following TKA, the optimal decision that produced the highest quality of life was 1-stage revision. These results should be considered in shared decision-making with patients who experience PJI following TKA. Economic and Decision Analysis Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Diagnosis of periprosthetic joint bacterial infections by culture of sonication fluid from infected implants

This study compared the results of a culture method using sonication with those yielded by the conventional culture method, for patients with infected total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We also evaluated the usefulness of sonication for the identification of pathogens in infected TKA cases. Isolates were cultured from 13 implants that had been removed from 13 patients with infected TKA. Preoperative culture was performed on aspirated joint fluid, and during the operation, infected tissue was collected for culture. The removed prosthetic implants were cultured before and after sonication. Next, we identified the cultured bacteria using API biochemical kits and 16 S rRNA sequencing. The cultures from preoperative joint fluid and intraoperative tissue were positive in 9 of 13 cases (69.2%). For the removed implants, 10 cases were positive before sonication. After sonication, 12 cases (92.3%) had positive cultures. The pathogen most commonly isolated from the cultures was Staphylococcus aureus. This study found that a culturing workflow incorporating sonication diagnosed pathogens in patients with infected TKA with higher sensitivity than did the conventional culturing method.

Comparison of Aquacel Ag® Surgical Dressings and Standard Dressings on Wound Site Infection and Patient Comfort in Total Knee Arthroplasty

Comparison of Aquacel Ag® Surgical Dressings and Standard Dressings on Wound Site Infection and Patient Comfort in Total Knee Arthroplasty

The importance of early diagnosis and management in total knee arthroplasty infection

The importance of early diagnosis and management in total knee arthroplasty infection

Long-Term Mortality Trends After Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty

BackgroundLong-term mortality following primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is lower than the general population. However, it is unknown whether this is true in the setting of revision TKA. We examined long-term mortality trends following revision TKA. MethodsThis retrospective study included 4907 patients who underwent 1 or more revision TKA between 1985 and 2015. Patients were grouped by surgical indications and followed until death or October 2017. The observed number of deaths was compared to the expected number of deaths using standardized mortality ratios (SMR) and Poisson regression models. ResultsCompared to the general population, patients who underwent revision TKA for infection (SMR, 1.45; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.33-1.57; P < .0001) and fracture (SMR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.00-1.34; P = .04) experienced a significantly higher mortality risk. Patients who underwent revision TKA for infection and fracture experienced excess mortality soon after surgery which became more pronounced over time. In contrast, the mortality risk among patients who underwent revision TKA for loosening and/or bearing wear was similar to the general population (SMR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.89-1.02; P = .16). Aseptic loosening and/or wear and instability patients had improved mortality initially; however, there was a shift to excess mortality beyond 5 years among instability patients, and beyond 10 years among aseptic loosening and/or wear patients. ConclusionMortality is elevated soon after revision TKA for infection and fracture. Mortality is lower than the general population after revision TKA for loosening and/or bearing wear but gets worse than the general population beyond the first postoperative decade.

310. Assessment of MSIS Diagnostic Criteria as Predictors of Treatment Success in Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) Infections Treated With Two-Stage Exchange

BackgroundProsthetic joint infection (PJI) is a grave complication of total knee arthroplasty (TKA); predicting outcome is difficult. Musculoskeletal Infection Society (MSIS) criteria are sensitive and specific for the diagnosis of PJI. In prior work, we systematically studied the value of each MSIS criterion as a prognostic marker among a large cohort of patients with infected hip and knee arthroplasty treated with debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention (DAIR) at our specialized orthopedic hospital. We found that sinus tract drainage and culture positivity predicted explantation within two years of DAIR; the minor MSIS criteria were not predictive. Here, we sought to evaluate the utility of MSIS criteria in predicting outcomes of infected TKR PJI treated with two-stage exchange arthroplasty. We sought to evaluate whether MSIS criteria can predict the outcome of infected TKR PJI treated with two-stage exchange arthroplasty.MethodsA retrospective cohort of TKA PJI treated with two-stage exchange was identified by query of hospital coding records from 2009 to 2014, with subsequent chart review. Collected data included demographics and comorbidities, duration of symptoms, implant age, and pathogen. All cases met Musculoskeletal Infection Society International Consensus criteria for PJI. The primary endpoint was defined as prosthesis retention for 2 years from reimplantation. Descriptive statistics were completed using the Fisher’s exact test for categorical variables and the Mann–Whitney U test for continuous variables.Results159 patients who underwent 2-stage exchange for TKA PJI meeting MSIS criteria were identified. 116 patients (73%) remained infection-free after two years of observation. Neither of the major criteria [presence of sinus drainage (P = 0.6); >1 positive culture (P = 1.0)], nor any of the minor criteria (individually or in composite) reached statistically significant association with treatment outcome.ConclusionIndividual MSIS diagnostic criteria, which have prognostic utility in TKA PJI treated with DAIR, are not powerful predictors of outcome of TKA PJI after two-stage exchange.Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

311. Low Rate of Microbiologic Relapse in Two-Stage Exchange for Knee Prosthetic Joint Infections

BackgroundProsthetic joint infection (PJI) is a grave complication of total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Historically, two-stage arthroplasty exchange has been considered to be the definitive approach to eradicating infection and preserving joint function. However, patients are increasingly presenting with higher rates of comorbidities traditionally associated with poorer orthopedic surgical outcome, including advanced age, obesity and diabetes. We investigated whether two-stage exchange remains effective for TKA PJI in this population, and evaluated the microbiology of repeat infections.MethodsA retrospective cohort of TKA PJI treated with two-stage exchange was identified by query of hospital coding records from 2009 to 2014, with subsequent chart review. The primary endpoint was defined as prosthesis retention for 2 years from reimplantation. Microbiologic relapse was defined as a recurrence of a previously treated organism. Descriptive statistics were completed using the Fisher’s exact test for categorical variables and the Mann–Whitney U test for continuous variables.ResultsOne hundred fifty-nine patients who underwent two-stage exchange for a TKA PJI meeting Musculoskeletal Infection Society International Consensus criteria were identified. The average age was 66 years, and 37% were female. One hundred forty-one underwent reimplantation; 24 of these (17%) had recurrent infection. Of the 24 patients who developed infection after reimplantation, only four relapsed with the same microbe; the other 20 (83%) were diagnosed with new, microbiologically distinct organisms. Thee of these four recurrences were due to Staphylococcus aureus infection. The likelihood of microbiologic relapse was low among reimplanted patients (3%). In univariate analysis, no associations were found between outcome and age, comorbidities, or BMI.ConclusionTwo-stage exchange arthroplasty for TKA infection is associated with a very low rate of microbiologic relapse. However, those patients able to undergo reimplantation remain at risk of subsequent infections with new microbes. It remains important to continue to modify risk factors in patients who have undergone a two-stage exchange for PJI.Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

Is Operative Time a Predictor for Post-Operative Infection in Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty?

BackgroundThe purpose of this study is to identify factors affecting operative times and to evaluate the associations of operative times with prosthetic joint infections (PJIs) and surgical site infections (SSIs) in primary total knee arthroplasty. MethodsA total of 11,840 primary total knee arthroplasties with a mean 2-year post-operative follow-up were studied. Operative times were analyzed both as categorical and continuous variables. Associations with PJIs and SSIs were evaluated with univariate and multivariate analyses to adjust for gender, age, body mass index, Charlson Comorbidity Index, year of surgery, antibiotic cement use, and hospital/surgeon volume. ResultsThe longest cases (>121 minutes) were associated with patients who were younger (P < .001) and had a higher body mass index (P < .001). PJI rates were higher in cases >121 minutes (1.4%) compared to those <85 minutes (0.3%, P < .001). SSI rates were also highest (3.8%) in cases >121 minutes (P < .001). Cases complicated by PJIs (135 ± 47 minutes) had longer mean operative times compared to non-infected cases (105 ± 32 minutes, P < .001). Patients with subsequent SSIs also had longer mean operative times (P < .001). Multivariate analyses revealed an 18% increased risk for PJIs and an 11% increased risk for SSIs for every 15-minute increase in operative time. ConclusionIdentifying risk factors for infection that are as easily measurable and modifiable as procedure duration can aid in risk-stratifying post-operative surveillance. This study demonstrated that longer operative times were an independent predisposing factor for both PJIs and SSIs even after accounting for patient and procedure-related factors.

The Effectiveness of Repeat Two-Stage Revision for the Treatment of Recalcitrant Total Knee Arthroplasty Infection

BackgroundThe gold-standard method in North America for the management of infected total knee arthroplasty is 2-stage revision arthroplasty. This has provided generally a high success rate. However, persistent infection after 2-stage revision knee arthroplasty does occur. The purpose of this study was to predict the success rate of second, 2-stage revision arthroplasty. MethodsAll infected total knee arthroplasty treated between 2000 and 2015 that were operated by a single senior surgeon were reviewed retrospectively. Patients were stratified according to general health and limb status according to the Musculoskeletal Infection Society (MSIS) scoring system. The reinfection rate at the last follow-up was identified. The chi-square test and Fisher exact test were used to compare binary variables. ResultsWe found a statistical relationship between the higher stage of MSIS score, type of microorganism, flap surgery, and reinfection rate after reimplantation of second two-stage surgery. There is not any statistically significant correlation between age, gender, constraint pattern of prosthesis, number of spacers, and time interval between the first and second stages of second 2-stage surgery with the numbers available in this study. ConclusionAnother 2-stage knee revision is an effective method of treatment. However, we found a higher incidence of failure in those patients with poor general health based on the MSIS score, inadequate soft tissue envelope and resistant bacteria. The success of second, 2-stage protocol is best in patients with optimized general health, soft tissue coverage, and antibiotic-sensitive microorganism. Patients who cannot be optimized are most likely to require amputation or knee arthrodesis than another futile 2-stage surgery.

Treatment of Prosthetic Joint Infection: Established Patient Relationships May Impact Medical Decision-Making

BackgroundChoosing the intervention for prosthetic joint infections, whether debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention (DAIR), or explant and antibiotic spacer placement, is multifactorial. One characteristic that may influence this decision is a previously established relationship with the patient. We hypothesized that patients receiving their arthroplasty at an outside institution and presenting with infection would be more likely to undergo removal of their implant without an attempt at DAIR compared to patients who underwent primary arthroplasty at the investigating institution. MethodsThe institutional database was queried for primary total hip and knee arthroplasty infections. Manual review of medical records was performed, excluding patients who did not meet the Musculoskeletal Infection Society definition of infection. Patient demographics, medical comorbidities, presenting infection characteristics, and surgical intervention were collected. Multivariable analysis was performed to determine the independent predictors of treatment. ResultsA total of 270 patients were included for analysis. McPherson score (P < .001) and duration of symptoms (P < .001) were associated with subsequent treatment. Additionally, when controlling for age, gender, symptom duration category, procedure, McPherson score, and American Society of Anesthesiologists category, patients with index procedures at outside hospitals were more likely to undergo implant removal (odds ratio, 36.30; 95% confidence interval, 8.16-161.51; P < .001). ConclusionPatients receiving their primary arthroplasty at an outside hospital and presenting with infection are more likely to undergo removal of hardware as their initial treatment. To avoid treatment bias, institutional protocols should be implemented to guide the shared decision-making process.

Debridement, antibiotics and implant retention in management of infected total knee arthroplasty: A systematic review

Total knee arthroplasty is a life changing operation. Although a rare complication, periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) can be a devastating event for patient and can be a challenging experience for the treating department. Management of the PJI is generally operative combined with extensive antibiotic therapy. The primary aim of treatment is to restore a functioning joint, either with debridement and retaining the well-fixed implants or with revision of part or all of the components. Whilst two stage revision arthroplasty has been considered as optimal treatment for PJI by many surgeons, Debridement, Antibiotics and Implant Retention (DAIR) could be considered as an alternative option in a selected group of patients.In this study, we review the recent literature to explore the efficacy and outcome of DAIR in PJI. We included all recent studies, which have used DAIR in PJI around total knee arthroplasty and assess for factors that would be either positive or negative towards the outcome. We particularly wanted to review role of timing of surgery and infecting organisms in outcomes of the treatment. We have also tried to identify whether patients have better functional outcome following DAIR in comparison to revision surgeries.

Acute Kidney Injury Due to Systemic Absorption of Antibiotics Impregnated in a Bone Cement Spacer

Abstract We report a case of acute kidney injury due to systemic absorption of tobramycin, gentamicin, and vancomycin from an antibiotic-impregnated cement spacer placed during revision of an infected total knee arthroplasty. The continual systemic antibiotic absorption and resultant nephrotoxicity required spacer removal, with subsequent improvement in renal function.

The proper timing of second-stage revision in treating periprosthetic knee infection: reliable indicators and risk factors

BackgroundTwo-stage revision is the standard procedure for periprosthetic knee infection. But when to perform the second-stage is still under debate. We attempt to search the reliable indicators, risk factors, and proper timing for the second-stage revision.MethodsWe reviewed and followed 81 infected total knee arthroplasty patients who underwent two-stage revision from January 2010 to January 2014. Our cohort included 56 males and 25 females, all patients were confirmed as PJI with the same phenotypic cultures. The average age was 64.8 ± 8.21 (range 36–78) months. The mean follow-up time was 46.5 ± 17.6 (range 12–72) months after the second-stage surgeries. The diagnostic parameters including serum C-reaction protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and intraoperative frozen section at the time of re-implantation were analyzed. The spacer detention time and antibiotic treatment time were compared.ResultsTen of them went through failed first- or second-stage surgeries. The overall success rate was 87.7%. The intraoperative frozen section is a good indicator at the time of re-implantation; the sensitivity and specificity is 90 and 83.1%. Serum CRP and ESR showed poor diagnostic value at time of re-implantation. Atypical pathogen infection, positive FS, and previous sinus were high-risk factors for failure of two-stage revision. Spacer detention time between 12 and 16 weeks had higher success rate than over 16 weeks.ConclusionThe proper timing of re-implantation should be combined with disappearance of clinical symptoms and negative intraoperative FS with spacer detention time at 12 to 16 weeks.