Int J Med Sci 2009; 6(5):265-273. doi:10.7150/ijms.6.265 This issue Cite

Research Paper

Complications after spacer implantation in the treatment of hip joint infections

Jochen Jung1 ✉, Nora Verena Schmid1, Jens Kelm1,2, Eduard Schmitt1, Konstantinos Anagnostakos1

1. Klinik für Orthopädie und Orthopädische Chirurgie, Universitätskliniken des Saarlandes, Homburg/Saar, Germany
2. Chirurgisch-Orthopädisches Zentrum Illingen/Saar, Germany

Citation:
Jung J, Schmid NV, Kelm J, Schmitt E, Anagnostakos K. Complications after spacer implantation in the treatment of hip joint infections. Int J Med Sci 2009; 6(5):265-273. doi:10.7150/ijms.6.265. https://www.medsci.org/v06p0265.htm
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Abstract

The aim of this retrospective study was to identify and evaluate complications after hip spacer implantation other than reinfection and/or infection persistence.

Between 1999 and 2008, 88 hip spacer implantations in 82 patients have been performed. There were 43 male and 39 female patients at a mean age of 70 [43 - 89] years. The mean spacer implantation time was 90 [14-1460] days. The mean follow-up was 54 [7-96] months. The most common identified organisms were S. aureus and S. epidermidis. In most cases, the spacers were impregnated with 1 g gentamicin and 4 g vancomycin / 80 g bone cement.

The overall complication rate was 58.5 % (48/82 cases). A spacer dislocation occurred in 15 cases (17 %). Spacer fractures could be noticed in 9 cases (10.2 %). Femoral fractures occurred in 12 cases (13.6 %). After prosthesis reimplantation, 16 patients suffered from a prosthesis dislocation (23 %). 2 patients (2.4 %) showed allergic reactions against the intravenous antibiotic therapy. An acute renal failure occurred in 5 cases (6 %). No cases of hepatic failure or ototoxicity could be observed in our collective. General complications (consisting mostly of draining sinus, pneumonia, cardiopulmonary decompensation, lower urinary tract infections) occurred in 38 patients (46.3 %).

Despite the retrospective study design and the limited possibility of interpreting these findings and their causes, this rate indicates that patients suffering from late hip joint infections and being treated with a two-stage protocol are prone to having complications. Orthopaedic surgeons should be aware of these complications and their treatment options and focus on the early diagnosis for prevention of further complications. Between stages, an interdisciplinary cooperation with other facilities (internal medicine, microbiologists) should be aimed for patients with several comorbidities for optimizing their general medical condition.

Keywords: hip joint infection, hip spacers, spacer dislocation, prosthesis dislocation


Citation styles

APA
Jung, J., Schmid, N.V., Kelm, J., Schmitt, E., Anagnostakos, K. (2009). Complications after spacer implantation in the treatment of hip joint infections. International Journal of Medical Sciences, 6(5), 265-273. https://doi.org/10.7150/ijms.6.265.

ACS
Jung, J.; Schmid, N.V.; Kelm, J.; Schmitt, E.; Anagnostakos, K. Complications after spacer implantation in the treatment of hip joint infections. Int. J. Med. Sci. 2009, 6 (5), 265-273. DOI: 10.7150/ijms.6.265.

NLM
Jung J, Schmid NV, Kelm J, Schmitt E, Anagnostakos K. Complications after spacer implantation in the treatment of hip joint infections. Int J Med Sci 2009; 6(5):265-273. doi:10.7150/ijms.6.265. https://www.medsci.org/v06p0265.htm

CSE
Jung J, Schmid NV, Kelm J, Schmitt E, Anagnostakos K. 2009. Complications after spacer implantation in the treatment of hip joint infections. Int J Med Sci. 6(5):265-273.

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