Retention of prosthetic articulating spacer after infected hip arthroplasty as a semipermanent implant: A case report

Abstract

Prosthesis with antibiotic-loaded acrylic cement was designed as a temporary articulating cement spacer in a two-stage procedure before definitive reimplantation for the treatment of periprosthetic joint infections. It is designed to remain in situ for about 6–12 weeks, until evidence of infection is controlled before reimplantation of a definitive total hip replacement. This study presents a case of a patient with prosthetic articulating spacer retention for 6 years, previously performed for an infected unipolar hemiarthroplasty for which he refused second-stage reimplantation. He remains relatively asymptomatic with no evidence of infection, implant loosening, or fracture. The patient is able to walk with a frame with minimal hip pain.