Vacuum-assisted closure in the treatment of early hip joint infections.

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of the vacuum-assisted closure (V.A.C.) system in the treatment of early hip joint infections. 28 patients (11 m/17 f; mean age 71 y. [43-84]) with early hip joint infections have been treated by means of the V.A.C.-therapy. At least one surgical revision [1-7] has been unsuccessfully performed for infection treatment prior to V.A.C.-application. Pathogen organisms could have been isolated in 22/28 wounds. During revision, cup inlay and prosthesis head have been exchanged and 1-3 polyvinylalcohol sponges inserted into the wound cavity/ periprosthetically at an initial continuous pressure of 200 mm Hg. Postoperatively, a systemic antibiosis was given according to antibiogram. 48-72 h after surgery an alteration from haemorrhagic to serous fluid was observed in the V.A.C.-canister. Afterwards, the pressure was decreased to 150 mm Hg and remained at this level till sponge removal. After a mean period of 9 [3-16] days the inflammation parameters have been retrogressive and the sponges were removed. An infection eradication could be achieved in 26/28 cases. In the two remaining cases the infected prosthesis had to be explanted and a gentamicin-vancomycin-loaded spacer has been implanted, respectively. At a total mean follow-up of 36 [12-87] months no reinfection or infection persistence was observed. The V.A.C.-system can be a valuable contribution in the treatment of early joint infections when properly used. Indications should be early infections with well-maintained soft-tissues for retention of the negative atmospheric pressure.

• Authors: Jens Kelm, Eduard Schmitt, Konstantinos Anagnostakos
• Journal: International journal of medical sciences (Int J Med Sci) Vol. 6 Issue 5 Pg. 241-6 (Sep 02 2009) ISSN: 1449-1907 [Electronic] Australia
• PMID: 19834589 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip (adverse effects)
• Bacterial Infections (drug therapy, microbiology, surgery, therapy)
• Female
• Hip Joint (surgery)
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy (methods)
• Retrospective Studies
• Surgical Wound Infection (drug therapy, microbiology, surgery, therapy)