An Alternative One-Stage Exchange Arthroplasty Technique: For the Chronic Infected Total Hip

Background There are various algorithms for the treatment of prosthetic joint infections (PJI). Currently, a two-stage hip exchange is considered the "gold standard" of care for treatment of chronic hip PJIs. However, there has been recent debate whether a one- or two-stage exchange offers the correct treatment. One-stage exchange arthroplasty has particularly gained interest due to less morbidity, mortality, and functional impairment. Methods In a retrospective case series, the outcome of patients with chronic hip PJIs treated with our one-stage exchange arthroplasty was analyzed. Between January 2015 and January 2020, eight patients underwent a one-stage exchange hip arthroplasty by a single surgeon at a single institution for a chronically infected total hip arthroplasty (THA). Original diagnosis of PJI was made in accordance with the 2011 version of the Musculoskeletal Infection Society (MSIS) criteria. The femoral stem was cemented with antibiotic-impregnated cement, and the polyethylene acetabular liner was cemented directly onto the acetabular bone with antibiotic-impregnated cement. Results Of the eight patients, three were female and five were male with a mean age of 70.5 years (SD 11.2, range 53-87). Six patients (75%) had infection eradication with retention of a stable implant and no additional surgery at a mean follow-up of 35.7 months (range 17-50). One patient (12.5%) underwent closed reduction for a dislocated THA at one month; however, this patient remained infection-free at the most recent follow-up of 41 months. One patient (12.5%) who was the oldest patient (87 years) died 18 days postoperatively. Overall, all living patients (87.5%) retained their one-stage exchange THA. One patient (12.5%, CI 95% 0.3-52.7) required additional surgery in the form of a closed reduction and zero patients (0.0%, CI 95% 0.0-36.9) required additional open surgery.  Conclusion Single-stage exchange arthroplasty with an antibiotic-impregnated cemented femoral stem and antibiotic-impregnated cemented polyethylene acetabular liner may be a useful option for the treatment of chronic hip PJIs. Our case series provides evidence that infection eradication and function preservation are possible using our one-stage exchange arthroplasty technique in a chronically infected THA. However, a multi-center study with randomization is necessary to further validate our results.