OUTCOME OF INFECTED TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY

The results of 44 cases of deep infection after total knee arthroplast y were reviewed. The average age of the patients was 62 years (range, 31-81 years), and all had positive bacterial cultures from deep aspira tion or tissue biopsy. Osteitis was revealed in 22 cases. One case was initially treated with antibiotics only, 27 cases were treated with s urgical debridement and antibiotic's, and 16 cases had immediate remov al of the prosthesis. In 21 cases, failed debridement was followed by removal of the prosthesis. Revision arthroplasty was attempted in 15 o f the 77 cases in which the prosthesis was removed; the infection was cured in II cases. A total of 25 cases that underwent removal of the p rosthesis had an arthrodesis performed, and 4 ultimately underwent amp utation. In no case of osteitis was the infection cured merely by debr idement and antibiotics, and the index prostheses were retained mainly in cases in which osteitis did not develop.