Comparision of knee range of movement by using static verses dynamic spacer in total knee infection

Abstract

Introduction: Prosthetic joint infections (PJIs) of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are the one of the most dreaded complications resulting from TKA. Although different methods of treatment protocols are followed around the world, a two staged exchange arthroplasty is the considered gold standard for PJI’s. The purpose of the present study was to determine the recovery of knee ROM in patients undergoing two stage revision total knee arthroplasty with either dynamic or static antibiotic loaded cement spacers. Methods: This was a retrospective case series performed between 2016 and 2019, Patients with a documented TKA infection that under-went a two-stage revision of both the femoral and tibial component of their TKA were included into the study. A total number of 44 patients who were treated with a spacer made of antibiotic-loaded acrylic cement were included. Twenty two patients were treated with temporary static spacer and 22 patients were treated with dynamic spacers. Results: At 6 months post operative visit, none of the patients had a recurrence in infection. Knee flexion was higher in dynamic spacer group at 2 week, 3 months and 6 months during the post operative period when compared to static spacer group the operation time of revision implantation was also shorter for dynamic spacer group. Conclusion: Our study results suggest that patients treated with dynamic spacer had a faster recovery in terms of range of motion of the knee, and shorter operating time for reimplantation. Our results support the use of dynamic spacers in an infected TKA that are treated with two-stage revision of arthroplasty.