[Clinical experience and results of using the V.A.C. instill therapy in infected hip- and knee prosthetics]

Since September 2005 our patients with acute endoprosthetic infection are treated, next to the normal wound debridement, with a full automatic vacuum drain system (V.A.C. instill system). This therapy unit entail a three step program. Based on the well known vacuum therapy, the new system contains an additional fluid drain and affecting period with an antibiotic or antiseptic instillation therapy. In the last half year we were able to treat five patients with endoprosthetic infection by using this therapy unit. In our opinion, we have a successfull method of treating patients with acute, infected big joints after endoprosthetic implantation. The therapy unit of V.A.C. instill is quickly available and easy to learn. Next to much better comfort for the patients the most advantage is to leave the prosthetic inside during the infection management with the new therapy unit. Further results in treating acute joint infections after endoprosthetic implantation must been shown, if this new method is to be the new standard in daily clinical routine.