Management of infected total knee arthroplasty

A retrospective study of the Mayo Clinic experience with the management of 61 infected total knee arthroplasties treated between 1970 and 1980 revealed rheumatoid arthritis as an underlying diagnosis in 47%. Previous operations had been performed in 58%. Arthrodesis was the most frequently utilized salvage technique and was successful in 83%. Reimplantation of a new prosthesis was successful in 63%. Debridement alone was successful in six knees when performed early for acute infections.