Acute renal failure after local gentamicin treatment in an infected total knee arthroplasty

Abstract

Local gentamicin treatment in revision surgery for infected hip and knee prostheses is well established. It is a safe and effective method compared with the systemic use of aminoglycosides. Although nephrotoxic side effects are uncommon, we report a case of acute renal failure after 2-stage revision treatment of an infected knee prosthesis with gentamicin-impregnated beads and block spacers. The combined use of beads and a cement block spacer, both gentamicin impregnated, may have induced this severe complication. Use of this procedure in elderly patients warrants careful follow-up of renal function. Copyright 2002, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.