EC Orthopaedics

Introduction: PJI is a devastating complication, difficult to manage, with an incidence of 0.5 to 2%, being the leading cause of TKA failure. The 2-stage revision remains the gold standard treatment.

Case Report: G.M masc. 50 years. Right TKA of 1 year of evolution in and a history of open fracture of the tibia and chronic osteomyelitis. Blood cultures and arthrocentesis: S. dysgalactiae. It is decided to carry out: removal of the implant and placement of a cemented spacer with antibiotic. After 4 months with normalized laboratory parameters, it was decided to perform arthrodesis with an external tutor.

Results: An optimal result was obtained in the immediate and long postoperative periods. Clinical, infectious and radiological controls were performed with a 2-year follow-up.

Discussion: There is controversy regarding the most effective technique to perform arthrodesis in the presence of infection. Arthrodesis using external fixators is probably preferable in septic cases because the absence of foreign bodies at the infection site may reduce the risk of recurrence.

Conclusion: The management of knee PJI is a challenge for orthopedic surgeons. Treatment by an interdisciplinary team is necessary, which is associated with multiple surgeries and increased morbidity and mortality.

Keywords: Periprosthetic Infection (PJI); Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA); Arthrodesis

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