Two-stage hip revision arthroplasty for periprosthetic joint infection without the use of spacer or cemented implants

There is no gold standard for performing a two-stage exchange arthroplasty to treat periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). The use of spacers and the anchorage principles of the revision prosthesis remain controversial. Herein, we report the success rate of a two-stage total hip replacement procedure without using a spacer and only pressfit cementless implants.

Between 2009 and 2015, 57 patients with chronic late-onset PJI were treated using a two-stage prostheses exchange without spacer. The average age was 66.7 years (47-83 years). The mean follow-up was 53.9 ± 25 months. Treatment included microbiologic diagnostics and a high-efficiency antimicrobial therapy in between the operations for six weeks and a two week antibiotic-free interval before reimplantation of the cementless prostheses. After implantation, antibiotics were stopped. This study was approved by the institutional review board.

Ninety-six percent of the patients had prior unsuccessful PJI treatment in other hospitals. The most common microorganism was Staphylococcus epidermidis (50.9%), followed by Propionibacterium acnes (17.5%) and Staphylococcus aureus (14%). In 42.1% cases, mixed infections were found. All patients could be treated using a cementless implant. In 91.2%, PJI remission was achieved, while 8.6% had chronic PJI with implant retention. Overall, nine prostheses (15.8%) were replaced owing to ongoing PJI or fractures. Mean modified Harris Hip Score was 60.85 (range: 22-88). None of the patients died.

We demonstrated a high success rate for two-stage exchange of infected total hip arthroplasty. Spacer-free treatment does not negatively affect success rate or function. Implantation of an uncemented pressfit prosthesis was possible in all patients.