[2-stage exchange in the treatment of infected knee prosthesis]

We report our experience with the treatment of infected total knee arthroplasties with a two-stage procedure during the period between 1992 and 1995. The two-stage procedure as a cure for infected total knee arthroplasty is a reliable and reproducible method of treatment. The infection healed in 86% of cases, and all patients with a follow-up of more than 1 year were satisfied with the result achieved. Also the objective values proved that the outcome of this severe complication of total knee arthroplasty was favorable. The two-stage exchange procedure is recommended as the treatment of choice for infected total knee arthroplasty wherever possible.