Functional recovery after two-stage short-interval revision of chronic periprosthetic knee joint infection

The objective of this study was the functional recovery analysis of patients treated in two-staged short-interval procedure due to knee periprosthetic joint infection (PJI).

In the period from January 2015 to December 2018, a two-stage short-interval revision TKA was performed in 35 patients with PJI. Synovial fluid analysis, tissue samples and sonication method were used to diagnose PJI. Active range of motion (AROM) and Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score were analysed.

Functional recovery analysis demonstrated higher AROM and HSS score after the revision TKA. Median pre-operative active flexion motion was 80° with full active extension, and median post-operative active flexion was 105° with full active extension. Median HSS score pre-operatively was 22 and post-operatively was 48. Isolated bacteria in both tissue and sonication fluid were S. epidermidis (27%) and other coagulase-negative staphylococci (25%), followed by S. aureus (10%).

Two-stage short-interval procedure of chronic knee PJI significantly improved functional status of patients in a short period of time. Thirty three out of 35 patients returned to their everyday activities. Adequate surgical technique and implant selection can lead to satisfactory functional outcome.