SALVAGE OF INFECTED TOTAL KNEE COMPONENTS

Debridement and retention of components for the treatment of infected total knee replacements has not been effective, with a failure rate of more than 70%. In cases where there are solidly fixed components, par ticularly with long stems, a method of successfully retaining the comp onents is desirable, A protocol of radical debridement has been develo ped to eradicate the biofilm related bacteria associated with these in fections. Assessment of the interfaces acid elimination of all spaces and unsealed interfaces that will allow penetration by bacteria is ess ential, Four cases of infected total knee replacements are reported wi thout recurrence after a minimum of 18 months, Refinement of the proto col and longer followup on more cases is planned to validate the early results.