Salvage of infected total joint replacements

D. S. Burton and D. J. Schurman

Among 424 total joint replacement (362 hip and 62 knee replacements) since 1971, eight deep infections have occurred (two primary and six late) in six patients. Removal of the prosthesis has been necessary in only one patient to date. Our follow-up experience, extending over a maximum period of 20 months, indicates that successful salvage of infected total joint arthroplasties without bone involvement may be accomplished without removal of the prosthesis if there is adequate surgical debridement and proper antibiotic therapy.