A simple method for construction of an articulating antibiotic-loaded cement spacer.

A 2-stage exchange protocol has been used widely in North America for management of infected total hip arthroplasties. Many surgeons choose to use an antibiotic-loaded cement spacer in the interval before reimplantation of the final prosthesis. We propose a simple technique for the construction of an articulating antibiotic-loaded spacer for use as part of 2-stage exchange protocol for the treatment of infected total hip arthroplasties. Copyright 2002, Elsevier Science (USA).