Revision with gentamicin-impregnated cement for deep infections in total hip arthroplasties

Seventy-seven total hip arthroplasties complicated by deep infection were treated by reoperation and fixation of a new prosthesis with gentamicin-containing cement. The infection was proved in each case by positive bacterial cultures. Systemic antibiotic treatment was continued for six months postoperatively. Sixty hips were considered healed; the patients had no pain and had normal sedimentation rates and roentgenograms. Nine still had pain or an abnormal sedimentation rate and were classified as doubtful with regard to eradication of the infection. Eight were still infected. The patients were followed for six months to three and one-half years after reoperation.