OBJECTIVETo evaluate the efficacy and optimal re-implantation time of two-stage revision for management of periprosthetic infection following hip arthroplasty.

METHODSWe retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 15 patients (15 hip joints) undergoing two-stage ipsilateral total hip arthroplasty (THA) revision from January, 2006 to January, 2010. In the first stage, after surgical debridement and thorough removal of all the implants, a self-made Vancomycin-loaded cement spacer was implanted. The second stage operation was performed 3-6 months later for debridement and removal of the antibiotic-loaded spacer, followed by re-implantation of Vancomycin-loaded bone cement prosthesis in 9 cases and cementless prosthesis in 6 cases. The patients were followed up for 9-46 months (mean 25 months) after the operation.

RESULTSNo reinfection or prosthesis loosening/displacement was found in these cases after the operation. The Harris score increased from 40.3 before the operation to 54.0 after the first-stage operation, and to 88.2 at the last follow-up.

CONCLUSIONTwo-stage revision is effective for treatment of periprosthetic infection following hip arthroplasty, and 3-6 months can be the optimal interval between the two the first-stage and second-stage operation for re-implantation.