Intraosseous Vancomycin for Acute Periprosthetic Knee Infection: A Retrospective Study

Keywords: Periprosthetic joint infection, knee, intraosseous vancomycin, debridement, implant retention

Abstract

Introduction: Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is an uncommon but serious complication after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), with significant clinical and healthcare implications. This study evaluated the effectiveness of the debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention (DAIR) protocol combined with intraosseous vancomycin administration and modular component exchange in controlling acute infection and improving functional outcomes. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective study across three institutions, including 12 patients (7 women, 5 men; mean age, 72.4 ± 6.3 years) with acute PJI treated with DAIR between February 2022 and June 2023. The mean interval between primary TKA and the DAIR procedure was 12.3 days. A standardizedprotocol was applied, consisting of intraosseous vancomycin delivery, modular component exchange, and pathogen-directed antibiotic therapy. Results: The mean surgical time was 95 ± 10 minutes. Infection control was achieved in 11 of 12 cases (91.6%), with one reinfection requiring two-stage revision. The Knee Society Score improved significantly from 42.5 ± 5.8 preoperatively to 88.6 ± 6.3 at 1 year (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The DAIR protocol with intraosseous vancomycin and modular component exchange appears to be a promising strategy for managing acute periprosthetic knee infection. Larger studies are needed to confirm these preliminary results.

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Author Biographies

Walter Fabián Martínez, Clínica Privada Hispano Argentina, Tres Arroyos, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Clínica Privada Hispano Argentina, Tres Arroyos, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Eduardo J. Bochatey, Instituto Argentino de Diagnóstico y Tratamiento, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina
Instituto Argentino de Diagnóstico y Tratamiento, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina
Fernando A. Lopreite, Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Hospital Británico de Buenos Aires, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina
Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Hospital Británico de Buenos Aires, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina

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Published
2025-10-27
How to Cite
Martínez, W. F., Bochatey, E. J., & Lopreite, F. A. (2025). Intraosseous Vancomycin for Acute Periprosthetic Knee Infection: A Retrospective Study. Revista De La Asociación Argentina De Ortopedia Y Traumatología, 90(5), 438-445. https://doi.org/10.15417/issn.1852-7434.2025.90.5.2164
Section
Clinical Research