Treatment of Infected Hip Arthroplasty with Antibiotic-Impregnated Calcium Sulfate Cement

Purpose: To analyze the effectiveness of inserting beads made of calcium sulfate cement that were also impregnated with Vancomycin after debridement of an acute-immediate stage infected hip arthroplasty. Materials and Methods: Between 2002 and 2008, the cases of 13 patients with documented acute-immediate stage infections of hip arthroplasty were reviewed and followed for at least two years postoperatively (average 4.3 years). The preoperative and postoperative clinical and radiologic findings and blood laboratory work of the cases were checked. All cases were performed through retention of the implant and massive debridement and saline irrigation. Next, vancomycin-impregnated calcium sulfate cement beads were inserted. Results: After the first operation, the average interval to wait before performing a second operation was 27.7 days (17~37 days). During the second operation, the erythrocyte sediment rate and C-reactive protein were 150.97 mm/hr (34.6~339.7 mm/hr) and 76.4 mg/L (41~132 mg/L), respectively. Infectious organisms were cultured and isolated. There were 5 cases of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). In addition, the results of an antibiotics sensitivity test revealed 8 cases of Vancomycin and 5 cases of 3rd generation Cephalosporin. Radiologic results showed 10 cases with a stable fixation on the last follow-up (femoral stem), and 1 case of hip joint space narrowing, called acetabular erosion. Conclusion: Inserting beads made of calcium sulfate cement that were also impregnated with Vancomycin proved to be a useful treatment for an acute immediate infection of hip arthroplasty.