Abstract
The results of 10 infected joint replacement arthroplasties (9 patients) were retrospectively studied. Six patients with postsurgical or hematogenous infection, without evidence of loosening of the components, were treated by irrigation, debridement, and retention of the prosthetic components. In 5 of those 6 cases (83%) with postsurgical or hematogenous infection, the components were retained by debridement without further evidence of infection. In spite of late chronic infection, only one patient treated by irrigation, debridement, and retention of the components resulted in failure. In the other 3 cases, loose components were removed. This study shows that irrigation, debridement, and retention of the components can result in a high success rate in patients with postsurgical or hematogenous infection with stable components. In case of loose components, the components should be removed.
