A Cost-effective 3D Printed Antibiotic Spacer for Management of Periprosthetic Joint Infection of the Knee: A Case Report. Issue 1 (March 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Harna, Bushu; Kumar, Raj; Tomar, Shekhar; Meena, Abhay; Maini, Lalit
• Is Part Of: Techniques in orthopaedics. Volume 37:Issue 1(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-03
• Subjects: 3D printing -- CAD -- periprosthetic joint infection -- articular spacer -- cost-effective; Orthopedics -- Periodicals; 617.47
• DOI: 10.1097/BTO.0000000000000527
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0885-9698

Abstract

Abstract : Introduction: The 3-dimensional (D) printed customized bone cement spacer molds provide a single solution to various difficulties faced during the first stage of 2-stage exchange revision knee arthroplasty in periprosthetic joint infection. Materials and Methods: A 60-year-old lady presented with periprosthetic joint infection of the knee. The spacer molds were designed using computer-aided-design (CAD) software and intraoperatively antibiotic spacer was formed after assessing the bone gaps at a very low price ($100). Results: The infection was eradicated for over 3 months. The spacer was designed perfectly to the bone gaps and bone defects leading to proper gap balancing and wound closure. Conclusions: The CAD-articulating spacer helps to reduce the complexity of the surgical procedure. 3D printing provides a cost-effective measure to tackle such complex surgeries. The CAD-articulating spacer gives a futuristic guiding tool using 3D printing to make the surgery easier and more effective.