Single-Stage Revision of an Infected Total Hip Replacement Using Antibiotic-Impregnated Bioabsorbable Beads in a Canine Patient

Abstract

This report describes a technique and the outcome following surgical revision of a periprosthetic infected total hip replacement (THR) in a single-stage procedure with the use of antibiotic-impregnated bioabsorbable beads. A 6-year-old German Shepherd dog underwent THR 16 months previously, which subsequently became infected. The contaminated femoral and acetabular prostheses were explanted. A femoral window was used to remove the stem and cement. The endosteal surfaces of the femur and acetabulum were reamed to remove periprosthetic tissues. The femoral window was replaced and secured in position with multiple cerclage wires. A 3.5-mm locking plate was applied to the lateral aspect of the femur to prevent fracture of the proximal femoral metaphysis and trochanter. Bioabsorbable beads of calcium sulphate, impregnated with vancomycin and gentamicin, were impacted into the femoral canal followed by an uncemented femoral stem. An uncemented acetabular implant was impacted and additional antibiotic beads placed in the vicinity prior to closure. There has been no evidence of reinfection 5 years postoperatively. Analgesic and antibacterial drugs were not required during this follow-up period; activity is unrestricted with neither lameness nor pain present. Simultaneous revision of both femoral and acetabular periprosthetic infected THR implants was successfully achieved in this patient via a single-stage procedure using uncemented implants and antibiotic-impregnated bioabsorbable beads.

Keywords

infection - total hip replacement - bioabsorbable beads

Introduction

Total hip replacement (THR) has become the gold standard surgical procedure to salvage coxofemoral arthrosis in dogs. Periprosthetic infection rates following THR are relatively low, being reported as 1.2, 2.2 and 2.9%.[1] [2] [3] However, when infection does occur it can be catastrophic. Bacterial colonization of the implants results in implant loosening with associated morbidity and reduced function. Treatment of canine patients with septic THR implants usually results in explantation, amputation or euthanasia.[2] [3] [4]

To the authors' knowledge, revision of septic THR implants has only been reported in three dogs; one following an experimental study in which only the femoral component was replaced,[5] another undergoing staged procedures between revision of the acetabular and femoral prostheses[6] and more recently a report of single-stage revision of all implants using antibiotic-impregnated cement.[7] In humans, revision of septic THR implants is frequently performed to preserve the prosthetic joint function. This can either be achieved as a staged or single revision procedure. The advantages of a single procedure include reduced patient morbidity, reduced hospitalization, reduced cost and a quicker and improved overall outcome due to fewer surgical procedures and the lack of an interim period.[8] [9] [10] [11] Two-stage revision involves an initial operation to remove all foreign and infected material, followed by a second procedure to insert new implants. The two-stage approach gained popularity because it was believed to reduce reinfection rates, but recent systematic reviews of the human literature failed to show a difference in the incidence of reinfection when compared with single-stage techniques (8.2% one-stage vs. 7.9% two-stage)[12] [13] thus, single-stage revision is now frequently advocated.[14]

A technique to attempt to rid and prevent reoccurrence of infection involves the use of antibiotic-impregnated bioabsorbable materials.[15] These facilitate the sustained, local release of antimicrobials, which are eventually absorbed, negating the presence of a permanent foreign body. This case report describes the successful revision of all THR implants in a single procedure using the cementless BioMedtrix BFX system (BioMedtrix Inc., Allendale, New Jersey, United States) and antibiotic-impregnated bioabsorbable calcium sulphate beads (Rapidcure, Stimulan: Biocomposites Ltd, Keele, United Kingdom).

Clinical Report

History

A 6-year-old, entire male, 29 kg, German Shepherd dog was presented for the assessment of a right pelvic limb lameness and a concurrent discharging sinus tract associated with the right proximal femoral region. The patient had undergone THR on the right side 16 months previously for coxofemoral osteoarthritis secondary to hip dysplasia. Surgery had been routine and achieved with a BioMedtrix Universal Hip implant system (BioMedtrix Inc., Allendale, New Jersey, United States). A size 24 biological ingrowth (BFX; BioMedtrix Inc., Allendale, New Jersey, United States) acetabular component and a cemented (CFX; BioMedtrix Inc., Allendale, New Jersey, United States) size 8 stem component with a 17 + 3-mm head were implanted. A routine microbiology swab taken at the time of closure was negative for bacterial culture. Routine postoperative clinical assessments at 2, 6 and 12 weeks, along with a radiographical assessment at 6-week post-surgery were unremarkable, and return to full function was achieved.

Prior to presentation, a discharging sinus had been present for 3 months and treatment with oral amoxicillin–clavulanate (Synulox; Zoetis, London, United Kingdom) and clindamycin (Antirobe; Zoetis, London, United Kingdom) prescribed by the referring veterinarian had failed to resolve the infection. Lameness had been present for 1 week.

Clinical Examination

A moderate right pelvic limb lameness was appreciable at walk. Significant pain was evident on right coxofemoral joint manipulation and the associated muscles were atrophied. A discharging sinus was located 50 mm distal to the caudal aspect of the greater trochanter.

Diagnostics

Radiographs (Elkin Medical Systems Inc., Santa Clara, California, United States) of the pelvis (lateral and ventrodorsal hip extended) and femur (open limb mediolateral and ventrodorsal hip extension with femur parallel to table-top) were obtained under general anaesthesia. Measurements for THR planning were made using digital software templates (Merge Healthcare, eFilm Medical Inc., Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States). Computed tomography (CT) (Siemens Somatom Emotion; Siemens AG Medical Solutions, Germany) was also performed.

Radiography and CT showed a radiolucent line at the periphery of the cement mantle at the proximal extent of the femur and bone lysis around the proximal third of the cement mantle. Additionally, there was evidence of osseous resorption around the periphery of the acetabular implant ([Fig. 1]).

Fig. 1 Preoperative imaging. (A) Mediolateral radiograph of the right femur; (B) Sagittal slice computed tomography through the right proximal femur; (C) Ventrodorsal open limb pelvic radiograph of the right prosthetic coxofemoral joint. Images show bone lysis due to infection at the periphery of the cement mantle at the proximal extent of the femur and immediately distal to the proximal extent of the femoral stem.

Anaesthesia Protocol

The patient was premedicated with acepromazine (ACP; Novartis Animal Health UK Ltd., Camberley, United Kingdom) (0.02 mg/kg intramuscularly) and methadone (Methadone hydrochloride; Martindale Pharmaceuticals, Romford, United Kingdom) (0.3 mg/kg intramuscularly), induced with propofol (Propoflo; Abbott Laboratories Ltd, Maidenhead, United Kingdom) (4mg/kg intravenously), and maintained with isoflurane (Isoflo; Abbott Laboratories Ltd., Maidenhead, United Kingdom) in oxygen. Preoperative analgesia included morphine (Morphine sulfate; Martindale Pharmaceuticals, Romford, United Kingdom) (0.15 mg/kg) and bupivacaine (Marcain; AstraZeneca, Luton, United Kingdom) (0.7 mg/kg) into the epidural space. Cefuroxime (Zinacef; GlaxoSmithKline, Middlesex, United Kingdom) (22 mg/kg intravenously) was administered 30 minutes prior to the first incision and every 90 minutes for the duration of the procedure. Methadone (Methadone hydrochloride; Martindale Pharmaceuticals, Romford, United Kingdom) was continued for 12 hours post-surgery and administered every 4 hours.

Surgical Approach

A craniolateral approach to the right coxofemoral joint[16] was modified to include dissection down the femoral diaphysis beyond the distal extent of the cement mantle. The tissues comprising the discharging sinus were excised. Total hip replacement was performed using standard BioMedtrix Universal Hip (BioMedtrix Inc., Allendale, New Jersey, United States) BFX components using standard surgical technique according to the manufacturer's recommendations (www.biometrix.com), except for the technical modifications noted below.

Femoral Stem Revision

Both the femoral and acetabular implants were still tightly adhered, thus requiring significant force to explant them. A sagittal saw was used to create a bevelled edged, rectangular osteotomy along the cranial aspect of the femur to create a window into the medullary canal.[17] The cement was meticulously excised and the periprosthetic fibrous tissue debrided from the endosteal surface of the femur. The bone window was replaced and seven circumferential cerclage wires secured its position. A 3.5-mm SOP plate (String of Pearls; Orthomed, Huddersfield, United Kingdom) was applied to the lateral aspect of the femur to prevent fracture of the proximal femoral metaphysis and greater trochanter. Antibiotic-impregnated bioabsorbable beads of calcium sulphate (Rapidcure, Stimulan; Biocomposites Ltd, Keele, United Kingdom) were formed by mixing 10cc of the powdered solute with 1000 mg of vancomycin (Vancomycin; Pharmacy, Royal Surrey Hospital, Guildford, Surrey, United Kingdom) powder and 400 mg (10 mL) solution of gentamicin (Gentamicin; Amdipharm Plc, Basildon, United Kingdom). The substances were mixed for 30 seconds to form a paste, which was spread into the moulds of the bead mat ([Fig. 2]). The beads were allowed to cure for 5 minutes and once solid, compressed into the femoral canal with a broach. A size 10 BFX femoral implant (cobalt chromium stem with a beaded ingrowth surface) was impacted into the femoral canal.

Fig. 2 Preparation and application of antibiotic-impregnated bioabsorbable beads. (A) Antibiotic solution mixed with bead solute to form paste; (B) Paste applied to mould and allowed to cure; (C) Cured beads removed from mould; (D) Placement of bioabsorbable beads around the prosthetic femoral neck.

Acetabular Cup Revision

The original BFX acetabular implant was removed with a combination of a pneumatic spinal burr, an osteotome and an impactor. Care was taken to avoid excessive removal of bone stock and to avoid acetabular bone fracture. Following removal of the original BFX acetabular implant, the underlying acetabular bed was reamed to remove the periprosthetic tissue and a size 26 BFX acetabular implant impacted. All tissues were copiously lavaged with sterile saline throughout the procedure. Further antibiotic beads were positioned around the acetabular cup, proximal femur and femoral neck. Collagen sponges (CollaVET Sponge; Collagen Matrix Inc, Oakland, United States) soaked with 400 mg of gentamicin (Gentamicin; Amdipharm Plc, Basildon, United Kingdom) were placed in the region of the excised sinus tract. Closure was routine and postoperative radiography demonstrated satisfactory implant positioning ([Fig. 3]).

Fig. 3 Immediate postoperative imaging. (A) Mediolateral radiograph of the right femur; (B) Craniocaudal radiograph of the right femur. The antibiotic-impregnated bioabsorbable beads can be seen surrounding the femur and acetabulum.

Postoperative Care

A transdermal, sustained-release, fentanyl patch (Duragesic; Janssen-Cilag Ltd., High Wycombe, United Kingdom) (100 µg) was applied postoperatively. Oral meloxicam (Metacam; Boehringer Ingelheim, Bracknell, United Kingdom) (0.1 mg/kg) was administered once daily for 4 weeks. A pure growth of a Staphylococcus species with no antibiotic resistance was obtained following prolonged culture of the infected implants. Oral clindamycin (Synulox: Zoetis, London, United Kingdom) (11 mg/kg) was continued twice daily for 3 weeks postoperatively. Exercise was restricted to controlled lead walks of increasing duration for the first 12 weeks. Postoperative physiotherapy was commenced after 2 weeks and hydrotherapy initiated after 6 weeks.

Outcome

Lameness was mild after 6 weeks and resolved by 12 weeks. Re-examination at 6, 12 and 48 months revealed no lameness and the joint was non-painful in all phases of motion. There was no evidence of implant loosening at either time point on physical or radiographical examination ([Fig. 4]). The femoral stem subsided 7.5 mm prior to radiography 6 weeks post-surgery ([Fig. 4]); no further subsidence occurred after this time. Radiography demonstrated complete absorption of the antibiotic-impregnated beads. At 12 and 48 months of post-surgery, gait analysis was performed by measuring ground reaction forces of each pelvic limb at walk using a force plate and the peak vertical forces were calculated (BioWare 5.1.1; Kistler Instruments Ltd., Hook, United Kingdom). Peak vertical forces were normalized to body mass. The force plate data demonstrated a symmetry index of 2.5 (12 months) and 3.1 (48 months) which is considered normal.[18] A telephone interview with the owner 60 months following revision surgery revealed the patient was still free of lameness. Analgesia and antibiotic medications were not required and activity has been unrestricted. There have been no complications or indications of recurrent sepsis for 5 years since the revision surgery.

Fig. 4 Forty-eight months postoperative imaging. (A) Mediolateral radiograph of the right femur; (B) Craniocaudal radiograph of the right femur. The antibiotic-impregnated bioabsorbable beads have been absorbed and no indication of sepsis is present.

Discussion

Total hip replacement periprosthetic infection and subsequent implant loosening are infrequently reported in the veterinary literature, occurring in 1.2, 2.2 and 2.9% of 256, 97 and 221 procedures respectively.[1] [2] [3] Infection can become established from intraoperative contamination, local extension of wound infection or haematogenous spread.[19] In our case, infection was diagnosed based on radiographical and CT findings of periprosthetic lucency and periostitis, as well as the presence of a discharging sinus tracking from the location of the affected coxofemoral joint found on physical examination. An attempt to obtain an antimicrobial culture preoperatively was not made; in the human literature regarding THR[20] it has been documented that infections contain a variety of colony variants and conventional culture techniques frequently do not detect the specific causative organism.[21] Subsequently, bacterial growth from this case was only possible following prolonged culture from one of three samples acquired intraoperatively. Should culture fail, clinicians could use polymerase chain reaction to identify bacterial material.[22] The use of an antimicrobial such as vancomycin without a positive culture and sensitivity is controversial and the authors recommend readers consider their antimicrobial choices responsibly. Our choice of antibiotic medications was based on four key factors:

1. we selected synergistic antimicrobials,[23]

2. antimicrobials that were frequently used in the management of human periprosthetic infections at the time (2012) our patient was treated,[24]

3. antimicrobials that have had documented use by the calcium sulphate bead manufacturer,[25]

4. and based on microbiology data from surgical site infections at our practice.[26]

During the original THR procedure for the dog in this report, an intraoperative swab was taken for microbiology, which failed to culture any organisms. No septic source for the periprosthetic infection 13 months later was observed, suggestive of haematogenous bacterial spread or the presence of residual bacteria from the original procedure. The bacterial flora most commonly cultured from explanted septic THR implants in dogs are Staphylococcus species.[1] This is consistent with the infectious agent present in our patient. The laboratory was unable to identify the exact Staphylococcus species as at the time they were unable to provide more advanced biochemical tests, such as DNase testing, for coagulase-negative Staphylococcus species.

We used cementless implants because both uncemented femoral[27] and uncemented acetabular[28] implants are associated with improved outcomes for revision of septic human THR. Additionally, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) bone cement is an ideal substrate for bacterial attachment and replication of sessile bacterial phenotypes.[29] To reduce the risk of colonization of PMMA cement, the cement can be loaded with antibiotic medications. One case of single-stage revision of a canine THR using vancomycin and micro-silver antimicrobial powder impregnated cement has recently been reported.[7]

To reduce the risk of re-infection, we implanted antibiotic-impregnated bioabsorbable materials. These allow local release of antibiotic medications and are gradually absorbed by the body so that no permanent foreign tissue remains. High concentrations of local antibiotic medications can be provided, which can increase the penetration of biofilm and necrotic tissue as well as increasing the efficacy if their activity is concentration dependent.[30] Although local concentrations are high, serum concentrations are frequently low or undetectable, decreasing the risk of drug reactions and systemic toxicosis. Implantation of antibiotic medications during surgery also negates the risk for non-compliance of medication administration postoperatively, which can be a problem in some veterinary patients.[31]

The antibiotic-impregnated bioabsorbable calcium sulphate beads are completely absorbed within 4 weeks,[32] so a second surgery for removal is not necessary. These beads are osteoconductive and provide a scaffold for new bone[33]; therefore, using them within the femoral medullary canal would prevent dead space formation while they were absorbed. The beads we used are a synthetic hemihydrate form of calcium sulphate and are processed to produce a product free from potential toxic impurities.[25] During in vitro testing, elution of antibiotic medications from these beads has been shown to be predictable and last at least 28 days,[34] but reported clinical experience has revealed a longer time frame if the beads are not completely covered by soft tissue.[35] The beads cure at a low temperature, thus allowing heat-sensitive antibiotic medications to be mixed. The cured beads are soft after hydration and are less likely to scratch implants or the joint surface.[25] These calcium sulphate beads have been used in human patients for revision surgery of both total hip and total knee replacements with a reported re-infection rate of 2.4%.[33] The use of these calcium sulphate beads has not previously been reported in veterinary patients to deliver local antibiotic medications.

Collagen sponges are another absorbable material, which can be used to provide local delivery of antibiotic medications.[31] These have been used to treat a range of canine orthopaedic-related infections.[36] [37] These are absorbed more quickly than the calcium sulphate beads, so were utilized within the draining tract to mirror the faster healing and tissue ingrowth time of soft tissues. In humans, discharging sinuses have been shown not to be a contraindication to single-stage revision of THR.[8] The antibiotic medications we used perioperatively were broad spectrum and known to have activity against the most commonly cultured bacterial species from infected canine orthopaedic implants; postoperative antibiotic medication was based on microbiology culture and sensitivity results. We administered postoperative oral antibiotic medications for 3 weeks; this is shorter than protocols frequently employed by human surgeons, but there is currently debate within the human literature regarding the ideal protocol.[24] Consequently, longer periods of antibiotic therapy may be considered.

As the femoral stem subsided 7.5 mm, there may have been the possibility to up-size the femoral implant to a size 11 BFX. However, due to the lysis of the proximal femur, and the creation of the ‘coffin-lid’ window, there was great concern that broaching and impacting a larger stem could result in a fracture to the femur. Although the stem subsided within the first 6 weeks following surgery, no clinical implications of this were noted.

Although this is a report of only one case, it highlights that infected THR implants in dogs can successfully be replaced in a single procedure. Development of optimal exchange protocols as well as predictive factors to obtain successful outcomes will only become evident following larger case series and are therefore indicated. Further randomized and prospective clinical trials are warranted to fully assess their effect and merit, but our report demonstrates that antibiotic-impregnated bioabsorbable calcium sulphate beads can be useful to improve management of implant infections in veterinary orthopaedics.

Conflict of Interest

None declared.

Author Contribution

Both authors contributed to conception of study, study design, acquisition of data and data analysis and interpretation. Both of them also drafted, revised and approved the submitted manuscript.

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