Treatment of the Infected Total Hip Arthroplasty with a Temporary Gentamicin Spacer

We report a series of 11 two-stage exchange arthroplasties for infected hip prostheses. The intermediate period was managed by using a gentamicin loaded cement spacer. At follow-up after 18-33 months, there was one recurrent infection. The spacer provides greater patient comfort and mobility, and may deliver high levels of antibiotics into the perioprosthetic tissue. The second stage of revision has been simplified and there have been no serious complications.