Infected Hip
Replacement
Infection following a total hip replacement can be devastating. The “gold-standard” treatment of an infected total hip consists of a two-stage approach. During the first stage, the infected implants are removed and the tissues around the implants are debrided and cleaned. A temporary implant composed of antibiotic eluting cement is then placed as a soft tissue expander and temporary joint to allow for limited function and movement. A course of intravenous antibiotics is then administered typically for 6-8 weeks, following which the joint is then re-tested for infection. Once these tests indicate that the joint is no longer infected, a second surgery to remove the spacer and place permanent implants is preformed. In general this two-stage approach to curing the infection and reconstructing a new joint takes 3 months.
Pre-Operative
X-ray demonstrating removal of the infected implants with placement of a temporary, antibiotic cement coated, implant. This temporary implant is used to deliver high dose antibiotics to the bone and treat the infection.
First Stage
Anteroposterior view of a pelvis with a dysplastic right hip (steep, shallow, socket). This leads to edge loading of the socket and the early development of arthritis.
Second Stage
X-ray demonstrating removal of the antibiotic spacer with placement of permanent implants including an acetabular augment to manage the pelvic bone defect incurred from the previous infection.