Two-stage revision total hip arthroplasty for periprosthetic infections using antibiotic-impregnated cement spacers of various types and materials. ScientificWorldJournal. 2013;2013:147248. [PMID: 24381509 PMCID: PMC3871498 DOI: 10.1155/2013/147248]

Short-term Success in Treatment of an Acute Hematogenous Periprosthetic Hip Joint Infection with Debridement, Antibiotics, and Implant Retention

Introduction

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is an unfortunate but frequent complication following total hip arthroplasty, with an incidence of 1%. Debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention is a treatment option for acute hematogenous PJI, with success rates reported up to 70%. Here, we present a case demonstrating short-term success using this treatment approach in a 74-year-old medically infirm patient.

Case Report

The patient - a 74-year-old male with well-functioning bilateral total hip arthroplasties performed 14 years prior - presented to a rural emergency department with an acute onset of right groin pain and dizziness. The patient was found to have sepsis, a right hip joint effusion, and periarticular abscesses on assessment. Synovial fluid aspiration from the right hip grew methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus. The patient was transferred to an outside hospital for limited debridement of the right hip joint, followed by transfer to our tertiary hospital. On arrival, consideration was given to performing an exchange arthroplasty. However, given the patient's medical frailty, it was felt that the risks were prohibitive, as supported by the presence of ileus, severe electrolyte imbalance, anemia requiring transfusion, anasarca, and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium infection of a sacral wound. The patient underwent surgery utilizing an established protocol of aggressive debridement and cleaning of the hip space, exchange of the modular arthroplasty components, and placement of antibiotic calcium sulfate beads for local delivery. The patient was treated with parenteral antibiotics followed by chronic oral antimicrobial suppression for 10 months after the final surgery. During treatment, the patient's inflammatory markers have normalized. The patient is ambulatory without assistive devices but uses an ankle orthosis due to a post-operative foot drop that did not resolve. The patient has regained satisfactory mobility with an Oxford hip score of 27.

Conclusion

This case demonstrates short-term success in the treatment of acute hematogenous PJI in a medically infirm patient utilizing debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention and may serve to inform future patient counseling.

Articulating Hip Spacers with a Constrained Acetabular Liner: Effect of Acetabular Bone Loss and Cementation Quality

Articulating hip spacers for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) offer numerous advantages over static spacers such as improved patient mobilization, hip functionality, and soft tissue tension. Our study aimed to determine complication rates of a functional articulating spacer using a constrained liner to determine the role of acetabular cementation mantle and bone loss on the need for second-stage surgery. A retrospective review of 103 patients was performed and demographic information, spacer components and longevity, spacer-related complications, reinfection rates, and grade of bone loss and acetabular cement mantle quality were determined. There was no significant difference in spacer-related complications or reinfection rate between PJI and native hip infections. 33 of 103 patients (32.0%) elected to retain their spacers. Between patients who retained their initial spacer and those who underwent reimplantation surgery, there was not a significant difference in cement mantle grade (p = 0.52) or degree of bone loss (p = 0.78). Functional articulating antibiotic spacers with cemented constrained acetabular liners demonstrate promising early results in the treatment of periprosthetic and native hip infections. The rate of dislocation events was low. Further efforts to improve cement fixation may help decrease the need for second-stage reimplantation surgery.

Cure rate of infections is not an argument for spacer in two-stage revision arthroplasty of the hip

INTRODUCTION

 A devastating complication after total hip arthroplasty (THA) is chronic periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). Most frequently spacers (Sp) with or without antibiotics are implanted in a two-stage procedure even though not always indicated due to unknown pathogen, femoral and acetabular defects or muscular insufficiency.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

 A retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database was conducted, analyzing the treatment of 44 consecutive cases with chronic PJI undergoing two-stage revision using a Girdlestone situation (GS) in the interim period between 01/2015 and 12/2018. Diagnostics included intraoperative microbiological cultures, histological analysis, sonication of the initial implant, analysis of hip aspiration, as well as laboratory diagnostics and blood cultures. We analyzed the general and age-group-specific success rate of treatment using GS. Furthermore, we compared our data with the current literature on spacer implantation regarding common complications.

RESULTS

In total, 21 female and 23 male patients at a mean age of 59.3 ± 9.6 years were included. Age groups were divided into young, mid-age, and elderly. In most patients, microbiology revealed Staphylococcus epidermidis in 39.1% of cases, following Staphylococcus lugdunensis and Staphylococcus aureus in 10.9% after THA explantation. For histology, Krenn and Morawietz type 2 (infectious type) was diagnosed in 40.9%, type 3 (infectious and abrade-induced type) in 25.0%. With GS, the total cure rate was 84.1% compared to 90.1% (range 61-100%) using Sp as described in the literature. Among age-groups, cure rate varied between 77.8 and 100%. Other complications, which only occurred in the mid-age and elderly group, included the necessity of transfusion in 31.1%, and in total, one periprosthetic fracture was identified (2.3%).

CONCLUSION

GS shows an acceptable cure rate at a minimum of 2 years when compared to the cure rate reported in the literature for Sp without major complications. For patients with increased risks for treatment failure using spacer, GS seems to be an alternative for chronic PJI when looking at the success rate of treatment.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III, Retrospective trial.

Antimicrobials in polymethylmethacrylate: from prevention to prosthetic joint infection treatment: basic principles and risk of resistance

BACKGROUND

Excellent revisions about antibiotic-loaded bone cement (ALBC) have been recently published. In the present article, we review the principles and limitations of local antibiotic delivery in the context of recent advances in the pathogenesis of prosthetic joint infections (PJI), with particular attention paid to the potential association between ALBC and antimicrobial resistance.

MAIN BODY

Recalcitrance of PJI is related to the ability of pathogens to adapt to particular environments present in bone tissue and protect themselves from host immunity in different ways. Accordingly, delivery of high local antimicrobial concentrations using ALBC is needed. Most relevant clinical data showing the efficacy of ALBC for PJI prophylaxis and treatment are reviewed, and we dissected the limitations on the basis of the recent findings from animal models and suggested that aminoglycosides, in particular, could not be the best option. One of the major concerns associated with ALBC is the emergence of resistance because of theoretical prolonged exposure to low antibiotic concentrations. We summarize the mechanisms for the selection of resistant microorganisms, and we critically reviewed the evidence from animal models and clinical data from observational and registry studies and concluded that there is no evidence to support this association.

CONCLUSION

While waiting for better evidence from well-designed clinical trials, ALBC shows a beneficial effect as a prophylaxis in arthroplasty, and to avoid the colonization of spacers used for two-stage revision in patients with PJI. Experimental models and clinical evidence suggest the need to achieve high local antimicrobial concentrations to obtain the highest prophylactic and therapeutic effect. The current evidence does not support the risk of increasing resistance with use of ALBC. In the future, it is necessary to evaluate new carriers and different antimicrobials to improve clinical outcomes.

Two-stage revision hip arthroplasty in the treatment of periprosthetic joint infection

Introduction. One of the rare complications following hip arthroplasty is periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). Two-stage revision arthroplasty is the gold standard in the treatment of deep periprosthetic infection of large joints, providing high probability of infection process resolution as well as functional recovery of the limb and elimination of pain syndrome.

Aim: to improve the treatment results of patients with periprosthetic infection after primary hip arthroplasty.

Materials and Methods. 121 patients (62 patients in the main group and 59 in the control group) after primary hip arthroplasty were included in the study. In the main group, treatment was performed using a two-stage technique with implantation of a preformed spacer and our proposed algorithm. In the control group, treatment was performed using a homemade spacer and without using the developed algorithm.

Results. When using our developed treatment algorithm, a good result in the treatment of UTI was achieved. The infectious process was controlled in 80.6 % of cases, as compared with 64.4 % in the control group, which is comparable with the data of domestic and foreign literature.

Conclusion. Treatment of patients with periprosthetic infection should be performed only in specialized centers that perform all stages of treatment, have all necessary instruments, an equipped operating room, necessary drugs in the hospital pharmacy, experienced staff and equipped bacteriological laboratory, as well as many years of experience of surgeons with these patients.

Long-term antibacterial activity of vancomycin from calcium phosphate cement in vivo

BACKGROUND

Periprosthetic joint infection is a major complication of total joint arthroplasty, with treatment requiring a two-stage exchange procedure and 6 weeks of systemic antibiotics. However, depending on the infection site, intravenous delivery of antibiotics like vancomycin (VCM) can have poor tissue transferability, thus reducing their therapeutic effect.

OBJECTIVE

This study demonstrates the 24-week in vivo release profile and antibacterial activity of VCM from calcium phosphate cement impregnated with VCM (CPC/VCM) and compares them with those from polymethylmethacrylate impregnated with VCM (PMMA/VCM).

METHODS

Rats were implanted with the test specimens between the fascia and quadriceps. After implantation for 24 weeks, the test specimens were removed and residual VCM was extracted to calculate the concentration of VCM released into rat tissues. We also examined the antibacterial activity of releasable VCM from the removed test specimens by placing them directly onto the surface of agar.

RESULTS

CPC/VCM released greater concentrations of VCM for a longer period of time within the 24 weeks than PMMA/VCM. Moreover, CPC/VCM released 1.4 to 26.1-fold more VCM than PMMA/VCM. Using Staphylococcus aureus, antibacterial activity was logarithmically correlated with VCM concentration across the entire concentration range tested (12.5-800 μg/mL). While the area within which inhibition was observed-the inhibition zone-for both CPC/VCM and PMMA/VCM formed and gradually shrank with time after implantation, that for CPC/VCM was significantly larger than that for PMMA/VCM in each week after implantation.

CONCLUSION

CPC/VCM releases greater amounts of VCM with antibacterial activity for longer periods of time than PMMA/VCM, suggesting that CPC is effective for facilitating the release of antibiotics for local action in patients with established postoperative infection.

Controlling Antibiotic Release from Polymethylmethacrylate Bone Cement

Bone cement is used as a mortar for securing bone implants, as bone void fillers or as spacers in orthopaedic surgery. Antibiotic-loaded bone cements (ALBCs) have been used to prevent and treat prosthetic joint infections by providing a high antibiotic concentration around the implanted prosthesis. High antibiotic concentrations are, on the other hand, often associated with tissue toxicity. Controlling antibiotic release from ALBCS is key to achieving effective infection control and promoting prosthesis integration with the surrounding bone tissue. However, current ALBCs still need significant improvement in regulating antibiotic release. In this review, we first provide a brief introduction to prosthetic joint infections, and the background concepts of therapeutic efficacy and toxicity in antibiotics. We then review the current state of ALBCs and their release characteristics before focusing on the research and development in controlling the antibiotic release and osteo-conductivity/inductivity. We then conclude by a discussion on the need for better in vitro experiment designs such that the release results can be extrapolated to predict better the local antibiotic concentrations in vivo.

Outcomes of repeat two-stage exchange hip arthroplasty for prosthetic joint infection

Aims

The increasing infection burden after total hip arthroplasty (THA) has seen a rise in the use of two-stage exchange arthroplasty and the use of increasingly powerful antibiotics at the time of this procedure. As a result, there has been an increase in the number of failed two-stage revisions during the past decade. The aim of this study was to clarify the outcome of repeat two-stage revision THA following a failed two-stage exchange due to recurrent prosthetic joint infection (PJI).

Patients and Methods

We identified 42 patients who underwent a two-stage revision THA having already undergone at least one previous two stage procedure for infection, between 2000 and 2015. There were 23 women and 19 men. Their mean age was 69.3 years (48 to 81). The outcome was analyzed at a minimum follow-up of two years.

Results

A satisfactory control of infection and successful outcome was seen in 26 patients (57%). There therefore remained persistent symptoms that either required further surgery or chronic antibiotic suppression in 16 patients (38%). One-third of patients had died by the time of two years’ follow-up.

Conclusion

The rate of failure and complication rate of repeat two-stage exchange THA for PJI is high and new methods of treatment including host optimization, immunomodulation, longer periods between stages, and new and more powerful forms of antimicrobial treatment should be investigated. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B(6 Supple B):110–115.

Double-layered antibiotic-loaded cement spacer as a novel alternative for managing periprosthetic joint infection: an in vitro study

BACKGROUND

Previous studies comparing antibiotic-loaded calcium phosphate cement to polymethylmethacrylate cement reported that although the former has higher elution volumes over a longer period, it is mechanically weak when used alone. To counter this problem, a double-layered antibiotic-loaded cement spacer in which calcium phosphate cement is coated with polymethylmethacrylate cement was created.

METHODS

In this study, we compared the double-layered spacer to the polymethylmethacrylate cement spacer in terms of eluent antibiotic concentration, bioactivity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and mechanical strength. Double-layered and polymethylmethacrylate cement spacers that were loaded with vancomycin (VCM) were prepared and immersed in phosphate buffer for 84 days. To facilitate VCM elution from calcium phosphate cores in double-layered spacers, we also drilled multiple holes into the calcium phosphate layer from the spacer surface.

RESULTS

We found that VCM concentrations in double-layered spacer eluents were higher than those in polymethylmethacrylate cement spacer eluents. The double-layered spacer also had higher bioactivity than the polymethylmethacrylate cement spacer. Although the polymethylmethacrylate cement spacer eluent lost the ability to inhibit bacterial growth on day 56, the double-layered spacer eluent maintained this ability for the duration of our study. Finally, the double-layered spacer retained high mechanical strength throughout the study period.

CONCLUSIONS

The beneficial biomechanical and drug-eluting properties of the double-layered spacer might qualify it to serve as a promising biomaterial that could be used for managing periprosthetic joint infections.

Preliminary results of a novel spacer technique in the management of septic revision hip arthroplasty

INTRODUCTION

Mechanical failure due to dislocation, fracture and acetabular wear is a major complication associated with the use of spacers in the management of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). We have developed a novel custom-made spacer in the setting of two-stage septic revision hip arthroplasty and present the preliminary results of our technique.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between May 2015 and November 2017, 30 patients underwent hip revision using the ENDO spacer technique in the setting of a two-stage septic exchange arthroplasty. The technique involves the dual mobility liner and the downsized stainless cemented straight stem in combination with antibiotic-loaded PMMA bone cement. The primary outcome measure was the overall spacer complication rate, particularly spacer dislocation. Furthermore, functional outcome using the Harris Hip Score (HHS) before spacer implantation and prior re-implantation was evaluated.

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients was 69.8 years (range from 45 to 85; SD = 9.9 years). No microorganisms were preoperatively found in 23 (76.7%) cases. Successful re-implantation was performed in all patients after a mean spacer duration time of 53.6 days (range 14-288 days; SD = 48.2). Spacer-related complications occurred in only two patients (6.7%). The HHS significantly improved from 34.0 (range 3-62; SD = 15.1) to 48.1 (range 11-73; SD = 15.7) (p = 0.0008).

CONCLUSIONS

The ENDO spacer surgical technique is a feasible option in the treatment of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), with a low dislocation rate. Furthermore, it allows early mobilization with the possibility of full-weight bearing.

In Vivo Release of Vancomycin from Calcium Phosphate Cement

Calcium phosphate cement (CPC) has good release efficiency and has therefore been used as a drug delivery system for postoperative infection. The release profile of CPC has mainly been evaluated by in vitro studies, which are carried out by immersing test specimens in a relatively large amount of solvent. However, it remains unclear whether antibiotic-impregnated CPC has sufficient clinical effects and release in vivo. We examined the in vivo release profile of CPC impregnated with vancomycin (VCM) and compared this with that of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) cement. To evaluate the release profile in vitro, the test specimens were immersed in 10 mL sterile phosphate-buffered saline per gram of test specimen and incubated at 37°C for 56 days in triplicate. For in vivo experiments, the test specimens were implanted between the fascia and muscle of the femur of rats. Residual VCM was extracted from the removed test specimens to determine the amount of VCM released into rat tissues. CPC released more VCM over a longer duration than PMMA in vitro. Released levels of VCM from CPC/VCM in vivo were 3.4-fold, 5.0-fold, and 8.6-fold greater on days 1, 7, and 28, respectively, than those released on the corresponding days from PMMA/VCM and were drastically greater on day 56 due to inefficient release from PMMA/VCM. The amount of VCM released from CPC and PMMA was much higher than the minimum inhibitory concentration (1.56 μg) and lower than the detection limit, respectively. Our findings suggest that CPC is a suitable material for releasing antibiotics for local action against established postoperative infection.

Thin magnesium layer confirmed as an antibacterial and biocompatible implant coating in a co‑culture model

Implant-associated infections commonly result from biofilm-forming bacteria and present severe complications in total joint arthroplasty. Therefore, there is a requirement for the development of biocompatible implant surfaces that prevent bacterial biofilm formation. The present study coated titanium samples with a thin, rapidly corroding layer of magnesium, which were subsequently investigated with respect to their antibacterial and cytotoxic surface properties using a Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis) and human osteoblast (hOB) co-culture model. Primary hOBs and S. epidermidis were co-cultured on cylindrical titanium samples (Ti6Al4V) coated with pure magnesium via magnetron sputtering (5 µm thickness) for 7 days. Uncoated titanium test samples served as controls. Vital hOBs were identified by trypan blue staining at days 2 and 7. Planktonic S. epidermidis were quantified by counting the number of colony forming units (CFU). The quantification of biofilm-bound S. epidermidis on the surfaces of test samples was performed by ultrasonic treatment and CFU counting at days 2 and 7. The number of planktonic and biofilm-bound S. epidermidis on the magnesium-coated samples decreased by four orders of magnitude when compared with the titanium control following 7 days of co-culture. The number of vital hOBs on the magnesium-coated samples was observed to increase (40,000 cells/ml) when compared with the controls (20,000 cells/ml). The results of the present study indicate that rapidly corroding magnesium-coated titanium may be a viable coating material that possesses antibacterial and biocompatible properties. A co-culture test is more rigorous than a monoculture study, as it accounts for confounding effects and assesses additional interactions that are more representative of in vivo situations. These results provide a foundation for the future testing of this type of surface in animals.

Co-Culture of S. epidermidis and Human Osteoblasts on Implant Surfaces: An Advanced In Vitro Model for Implant-Associated Infections

Objectives

Total joint arthroplasty is one of the most frequent and effective surgeries today. However, despite improved surgical techniques, a significant number of implant-associated infections still occur. Suitable in vitro models are needed to test potential approaches to prevent infection. In the present study, we aimed to establish an in vitro co-culture setup of human primary osteoblasts and S. epidermidis to model the onset of implant-associated infections, and to analyze antimicrobial implant surfaces and coatings.

Materials and Methods

For initial surface adhesion, human primary osteoblasts (hOB) were grown for 24 hours on test sample discs made of polystyrene, titanium alloy Ti6Al4V, bone cement PALACOS R^®, and PALACOS R^® loaded with antibiotics. Co-cultures were performed as a single-species infection on the osteoblasts with S. epidermidis (multiplicity of infection of 0.04), and were incubated for 2 and 7 days under aerobic conditions. Planktonic S. epidermidis was quantified by centrifugation and determination of colony-forming units (CFU). The quantification of biofilm-bound S. epidermidis on the test samples was performed by sonication and CFU counting. Quantification of adherent and vital primary osteoblasts on the test samples was performed by trypan-blue staining and counting. Scanning electron microscopy was used for evaluation of topography and composition of the species on the sample surfaces.

Results

After 2 days, we observed approximately 10⁴ CFU/ml biofilm-bound S. epidermidis (10³ CFU/ml initial population) on the antibiotics-loaded bone cement samples in the presence of hOB, while no bacteria were detected without hOB. No biofilm-bound bacteria were detectable after 7 days in either case. Similar levels of planktonic bacteria were observed on day 2 with and without hOB. After 7 days, about 10⁵ CFU/ml planktonic bacteria were present, but only in the absence of hOB. Further, no bacteria were observed within the biofilm, while the number of hOB was decreased to 10% of its initial value compared to 150% in the mono-culture of hOB.

Conclusion

We developed a co-culture setup that serves as a more comprehensive in vitro model for the onset of implant-associated infections and provides a test method for antimicrobial implant materials and coatings. We demonstrate that observations can be made that are unavailable from mono-culture experiments.

Is two-stage reimplantation effective for virulent pathogenic infection in a periprosthetic hip? A retrospective analysis

AIM: To investigate the effectiveness of two-stage reimplantation using antibiotic-loaded bone cement (ALBC) and the risk factors associated with failure to control periprosthetic joint infection (PJI).

METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 38 consecutive hips managed using two-stage reimplantation with ALBC. The mean follow-up period was 5.4 years (range: 2.5-9 years).

RESULTS: The causative pathogens were isolated from 29 patients (76%), 26 of whom were infected with highly virulent organisms. Sixteen patients (42%) underwent at least two first-stage debridements. An increased debridement frequency correlated significantly with high comorbidity (P < 0.001), a lower preoperative Harris hip score (HHS; P < 0.001), antimicrobial resistance, and gram-negative and polymicrobial infection (P = 0.002). Of the 35 patients who underwent two-stage reimplantation, 34 showed no signs of recurrence of infection. The mean HHS improved from 46 ± 12.64 to 78 ± 10.55 points, with 7 (20%), 12 (34%), 11 (32%) and 5 (14%) patients receiving excellent, good, fair and poor ratings, respectively.

CONCLUSION: The current study demonstrated that two-stage reimplantation could successfully treat PJI after hip arthroplasty. However, the ability of ALBC to eradicate infection was limited because frequent debridement was required in high-risk patients (i.e., patients who are either in poor general health due to associated comorbidities or harbor infections due to highly virulent, difficult-to-treat organisms). Level of evidence: Level IV.

Management of Periprosthetic Hip Joint Infection

Total hip joint replacement offers dramatic improvement in the quality of life but periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is the most devastating complication of this procedure. The infection threatens the function of the joint, the preservation of the limb, and occasionally even the life of the patient due to long term hospitalization and high cost. For the surgeon it is a disastrous burden, which requires repeated, complicated procedures to eradicate infection and to provide a mobile joint without pain. Yet in the absence of a true gold standard, the diagnosis of PJI can be elusive. Synovial fluid aspiration, diagnostic imaging, traditional culture, peripheral serum inflammatory markers, and intraoperative frozen sections each have their limitations but continue to be the mainstay for diagnosis of PJI. Treatment options mainly include thorough irrigation and debridement with prosthesis retention, or a two-stage prosthesis exchange with intervening placement of an antibiotic-loaded spacer. Success in treating PJI depends on extensive surgical debridement and adequate and effective antibiotic therapy. Treatment in two stages using a spacer is recommended for most chronic PJI. Debridement, antibiotics and implant retention is the obvious choice for treatment of acute PJI, with good success rates in selected patients. This article presents an overview of recent management concepts for PJI of the hip emphasizing diagnosis and the clinical approach, and also share own experience at our institution.