Clinical outcomes of two-stage revision total knee arthroplasty in infected cases with antibiotic-loaded cement spacers produced using a handmade silicone mold

PURPOSE: This study assessed the clinical outcomes of periprosthetic joint infection patients who underwent two-stage revision total knee arthroplasty with antibiotic-loaded cement spacers fabricated using a handmade silicone mold. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included seven patients (average age 77 years, average follow-up time 54 months) who underwent surgery at our hospital between 2009 and 2013. Clinical outcomes including knee scores, function scores, knee range of motion, and walking ability at the final observation, period from the primary total knee arthroplasty to implant removal, period from implant removal to revision total knee arthroplasty, and follow-up period after revision total knee arthroplasty were investigated. RESULTS: At the final follow-up, the average knee range of motion was 99°, with no significant differences at each stage; average knee and function scores were 84 and 77, respectively. With cement spacers, five patients were able to walk with a t-cane. No recurrence of infection was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical outcomes of the current case series demonstrated good knee function with preserved walking ability, without any recurrence of periprosthetic joint infection. This study suggests that using a handmade silicone mold could be an effective option for periprosthetic joint infection after a total knee arthroplasty.