Two-stage exchange hip arthroplasty for deep infection

Although the risk of infection after total hip arthroplasty has decreased over the last three decades with the use of prophylactic antibiotics, laminar airflow operating rooms and whole-body exhaust suites, deep infection after total hip arthroplasty remains a serious complication. Significant morbidity to the patient and the cost to the health care system remain. During this period of time, diagnostic techniques also have improved including the use of polymerase chain reaction amplification. Treatment options now include: suppressive antibiotics, irrigation and debridement with retention of components, one-stage reimplantation, two-stage reimplantation, and salvage procedures. Based on the medical literature, the successful eradication of a total joint replacement infection with a two-stage reimplantation protocol is over 90% while the success rate with a one-stage protocol is approximately 80%. These success rates may decline however as the prevalence of antibiotic resistant organisms increases. Current controversies regarding two-stage reimplantation protocols include: duration of intravenous antibiotic therapy, timing of the reimplantation, the use of allograft bone in the reconstruction, the choice of fixation (cement versus cementless), and the use of antibiotic-loaded cement spacers.