Abstract
BACKGROUND: The optimal timing for reimplantation for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) has not been established and varies from a few weeks to several months. The aim of this study was to assess the commendable time between implant removal and reimplantation in patients who underwent two-stage exchange arthroplasty for PJI. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 361 patients who were treated with two-stage exchange arthroplasty for hip and knee chronic PJI at our institution between January 2000 and December 2018. Patient characteristics, comorbidities, surgical variables, microbiology data, and time to reimplantation were recorded. All patients were followed for a minimum of one year. Treatment failure was defined by Delphi criteria. Logistic regression analyses were used to calculate survival rates and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) of treatment failure. RESULTS: In final analysis, 27 (7.5%) had treatment failure. Factors related to treatment failure including interim spacer exchange (OR, 3.13; confidence interval (CI), 1.04-9.09, p = 0.036), higher ESR level at reimplantation (OR, 1.85; CI, 1.05-3.57; p = 0.04), and time to reimplantation (OR, 1.00; CI, 1.003-1.005, p = 0.04). Performing revision arthroplasty surgery from 16 to 20 weeks had highest successful rate. The reimplantation over 24 weeks had a lower successful rate. However, no statistical significance in comparing each interval group. CONCLUSION: Our study emphasized the importance of timely reimplantation in achieving successful outcomes. Factors such as ESR levels, spacer exchange, and the duration of time to reimplantation influenced the likelihood of treatment failure in two-stage exchange arthroplasty for hip and knee PJI.