Infection and Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA)

Infection following total hip arthroplasty is a potentially devastating complication, often requiring prolonged and intensive treatment in an attempt to achieve resolution.

Infection associated with THA falls into 4 main categories:

1. Undertaking a THA in an hip that has had a previous septic arthritis or osteomyelitis.
2. Early post operative infection following THA.
3. Acute, presumed haematogenous, infection in a previously healthy THA.
4. Chronic infection following THA.
5. 2 stage revision for infected THA
6. The KIWI articulating antibiotic loaded cement spacer for use at the first stage of a 2 stage revision for infection.

This section will discuss the current management in the Exeter Hip Unit of these different situations, including references to published results from the Unit.