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The use of short stem designs in total hip arthroplasty is not a new concept, but its popularity has increased as a bone-sparing alternative to traditional stems. This study analyzed the midterm clinical and radiological results of the Taperloc Complete Microplasty stem (Zimmer Biomet ® Warsaw, IN, USA). A total of 32 patients (20 men and 12 women) were retrospectively documented and received 40 stems (eight bilateral). The median patient age was 50 years (interquartile range 43-58) at the time of surgery. The median follow-up was 36.5 months (interquartile range 26.75-50.25). Indication for total hip arthroplasty was osteoarthritis (62.5% of patients), avascular necrosis (25%), and developmental dysplasia of the hip (12.5%). The Merle d'Aubigné score improved from a mean 11.5 preoperatively to a mean 17.5 at the latest follow-up. During X-ray assessment, we observed one subsidence of the stem (3 mm) and four cases of varus malalignment without clinical consequences. No cases of osteolysis were reported, and no stems were revised. According to our results, this short tapered stem shows a good early-term outcome. Prospective results and a longer follow-up are needed to assess the long-term survival of this stem fully.

Background: The objective of our study is to evaluate our preliminary results after changing from a 2-stage revision arthroplasty protocol to a 1-stage revision arthroplasty protocol using cementless arthroplasty for all patients with chronic infected hip replacements., Methods: Prospective study of all hip arthroplasties that were diagnosed with chronic infection and were treated using the 1-stage revision without taking into account the traditional criteria used to determine the use of a 1-stage revision was conducted. There were 2 main variables evaluated: infection control and costs. The definitive diagnosis of infection of the revision was determined using the criteria proposed by the Musculoskeletal Infection Society. The costs were calculated using average cost in USD, excluding social expenses, as described by Klouche (2010) for 1-stage or 2-stage revisions., Results: Nineteen patients were included in the study and the infection was controlled in 18 patients. The total economic savings for our hospital for these 19 patients was 391.609 USD., Conclusion: This clinical success has led to an important change in our hospital in treating chronic infected hip replacements and an important cost reduction from an economic point of view., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: A reduction in femoral offset may decrease muscle tension and lead to spacer dislocations even though proximal femur, musculature and acetabulum remain intact. In this study, we aimed to determine whether postoperative lateral femoral offset (LFO) and modified vertical femoral offset (MVFO) values affect the risk of dislocation of a hip spacer., Materials and Methods: We measured LFO and MVFO in properly centred, postoperative, anteroposterior radiographs of the pelvis in 66 patients (71 spacers). We then compared the operated and non-operated sides and recorded any dislocations., Results: Although LFO decreased (p<0.001), the reduction was not associated with dislocation (p = 0.471). MVFO remained unchanged after spacer implantation (p = 0.277) and was not associated with dislocation (p = 0.418)., Conclusions: In conclusion, the preformed spacer decreased LFO but not MVFO compared with the contralateral hip. The variations did not significantly affect the dislocation rate.

Objective: To evaluate the analgesic efficacy of low-dose radiotherapy in refractory cases of trochanteritis., Methods: We evaluated a total of 60 consecutive patients who received low-dose radiotherapy to achieve an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect for recurrent trochanteritis following scarce response to conventional therapy. All patients were evaluated at baseline (prior to radiotherapy) and at 1 and 4 months after radiotherapy and then yearly thereafter for pain assessment using a visual analogue scale (VAS) and to determine the administration of analgesic treatment., Results: An improvement in the symptomatology was observed in 62% of the patients with a significant reduction in the VAS (8 ± 2 vs 4 ± 2; p < 0.0001), which was largely maintained until the second evaluation at 4 months. In the cases responding to radiotherapy, the probability of maintaining improvement beyond 24 months was 70%., Conclusion: Low-dose anti-inflammatory radiation may be used in the treatment of the recurrent cases of relapse or no response of trochanteritis to conventional treatments, with a high probability of remission of pain. These preliminary results indicate the need for evaluating the use of radiotherapy in patients with trochanteritis refractory to conventional treatment in a long-term controlled study. Advances in knowledge: Radiotherapy provides effective analgesic treatment for patients refractory to standard treatment for trochanteritis.

A retrospective study was performed to evaluate the cement mantle in two groups of patients treated with the acetabular components of cemented Exeter total hip arthroplasties (THAs). Two groups of 20 patients were compared: Group 1 received non-flanged acetabular cemented cups (Contemporary, Stryker) and Group 2 received flanged acetabular cemented cups (X3 Rim Fit, Stryker). Cups in Group 2 were implanted after using a rim cutter device. Group 2 showed better penetration of cement in zone 1 (10.76 mm compared with 2.93 mm; p = 0.008) and a thicker cement mantle in zone 1 (3.57 mm compared with 2.89 mm; p = 0.04). More cups in Group 2 had a cement mantle thickness less than 3 mm (30 % in Group 1 compared with 70 % in Group 2; p = 0.0039). No other radiological differences were observed. These results favor the use of a rim cutter device and flanged cup to improve the cement mantle for the acetabular components of cemented Exeter THAs. However, the improvements were less than expected. In view of the results of previous studies, further research is therefore needed to assess the value of this approach in improving the acetabular cement mantle.

Background: Large acetabular defects remain a challenge in hip revision arthroplasty. Experience with Trabecular Titanium™ (TT) cups (Limacorporate S.p.a.) has not been widely reported. Therefore, we assessed the survivorship and clinical and radiological outcomes of patients receiving TT cups, with or without supplementary trabecular titanium hemispherical modules for acetabular reconstruction, in primary and revision total hip arthroplasty (THA)., Methods: Between January 2009 and July 2014, we performed 67 revisions and 5 primary THAs using TT cups in 69 patients. To achieve stability and/or restore the hip's centre of rotation, hemispherical modules were used in 17 cases based on preoperative templating and/or intraoperative findings. Mean follow-up was 30.5 months. Acetabular bone defects were classified according to the Paprosky classification. Survivorship, functional outcomes (Merle d'Aubigné) and radiological outcomes were analysed., Results: 8 patients underwent cup revision: 2 for loosening, 3 for infection, and 3 for hip dislocation. The remaining cases did not present radiological signs of loosening. None of the cases with Paprosky type I classifications needed revision, while 4 with type II and 4 with type III needed revision (p = 0.028). The respective mean values for pain, walking, and range of motion (Merle d'Aubigné scores ± standard deviation) were 3.6 ± 1.4, 3.7 ± 0.7, and 3.8 ± 0.6 preoperatively, and 5.7 ± 0.7, 5.3 ± 0.7, and 5.6 ± 0.7 at the latest follow-up (p&lt;0.001)., Conclusions: In the short term, results with TT cups appear to be encouraging, with satisfactory survival rates for both simple and complex cases.

Purpose: To compare radiography with multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in the evaluation of graft integration following acetabular reconstruction for failed total hip arthroplasty (THA)., Methods: Records of 5 men and 6 women aged 60 to 78 (mean, 71.8) years who underwent acetabular reconstruction using structural allografts for severe acetabular deficiency secondary to aseptic loosening (n=9) or septic loosening (n=2) were reviewed. The mean survival time of the THA was 136.4 (range, 12-360) months. Acetabular defects were classified as IIC (n=2), IIIA (n=3), or IIIB (n=6). Structural allografts were fixed with impaction followed by a reinforcement ring (n=10), an antiprotrusio cage (n=2), and/or an oblong cup (n=1) with gentamicineloaded cement. Cup loosening, graft integration, and graft resorption were evaluated using radiography. In addition, graft integration was evaluated using MDCT., Results: At a mean follow-up of 4.2 (range, 2-11) years, the survival of the acetabular reconstruction was 90.9%. No patient had any signs of infection. One patient underwent reoperation 22 months later for dislocation secondary to abductor deficiency caused by nonunion of the trochanteric fracture. According to radiography, all patients had graft integration. One patient had definitive and another had possible cup loosening. Four patients had minor graft resorption. According to MDCT, graft integration was complete in only one patient, partial >50% in 3, partial <50% in 4, and absent in 2., Conclusion: MDCT is more accurate than radiography in evaluating graft integration following acetabular reconstruction.

The objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate our results with one-stage revision using cementless femoral stem for infected hip arthroplasties. Twenty-four patients were included in the study. The acetabular component was cemented in 9 cases. In 2 patients a structured bone allograft was necessary to fill an acetabular defect. After a mean follow-up of 44.6 months, 23 patients showed no signs of infection (95.8%), the mean functional response according to the Merle d'Aubigné scale was 13.8 and the mean Harris Hip Score was 65.4. One-stage revision hip arthroplasty using cementless femoral stem was associated with a high success rate., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

This study assesses the factors associated with the dislocation of the Spacer-G and its clinical prognosis. Seventy-four spacers were reviewed. Acetabular bone defects, proximal femoral cementation of the spacer and its relationship to the size of the head spacer were not associated with dislocation. The only variable that it was possible to associate with dislocation was when the previous stem, prior to the spacer placement, was a cemented stem. In patients who experienced a dislocation, infection was not cured during the interim period more frequently than patients who had not experienced a dislocation (P = 0.001) and the final clinical hip evaluation was also worse (P < 0.001). The study concludes that the surgeon should assess different surgical aspects in order to avoid mechanical complications such as dislocation and its consequences., (© 2014.)

The prognosis associated with the DePuy ASR hip cup is poor and varies according to the series. This implant was withdrawn from use in 2010 and all patients needed to be assessed. We present the results of the assessment of our patients treated with this device, according to the Spanish Society of Hip Surgery (SECCA) algorithm published in 2011. This retrospective study evaluates 83 consecutive ASR cups, followed up at a mean of 2.9 years. Serum levels of chromium and cobalt, as well as the acetabular abduction angle, were determined in order to assess their possible correlation with failure, defined as the need for revision surgery. The mean Harris Hip Score was 83.2 (range 42-97). Eight arthroplasties (13.3%) required revision due to persistent pain and/or elevated serum levels of chromium/cobalt. All the cups had a correct abduction angle, and there was no correlation between elevated serum levels of metal ions and implant failure. Since two previous ASR implants were exchanged previously to the recall, the revision rate for ASR cups in our centre is 18.2% at 2.9 years.

Introduction: Psoas abscess associated with hip arthroplasty infection is a rare entity. The aim of this report was to review our experience., Material and Methods: Patients with computerized tomography (CT) diagnosis of psoas abscess associated with a hip arthroplasty infection from 2004 to 2009 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographics, microbiological data, CT results and outcome of each patient were recorded., Results: Seven patients out of 214 evaluated by CT due to hip infection suspected were identified. Three women and 4 men, with a mean age of 69 years (range 46-89). Mean abscess diameter was of 62 x 47 mm. In all cases, a direct communication between abscess and prosthesis was observed. The most commonly isolated microorganisms were grampositive cocci. All patients were treated with two-stage revision surgery. After a mean follow-up of 65 months (28-113), six patients were in remission., Conclusions: The use of CT in the study of suspected infection of a hip arthroplasty identified a psoas abscess in 7 cases out of 214 evaluated. Patients treated with two-stage revision surgery and large debridement was associated with a good clinical outcome.

Infection remains a serious complication after total hip arthroplasty (THA) and is a leading cause of hip revision surgery. It is currently accepted that removal of the prosthesis is essential to curing an infection when facing chronic PJIs with prosthesis loosening. In order to avoid the disadvantages of a two-stage approach, some authors have proposed a one-stage hip revision for the treatment of hip prosthesis infection in selected patients using not only antibiotic-loaded cemented components but also cementless implant. In the case of a one-stage procedure, the patient is exposed to a single major procedure and therefore lower cumulative perioperative risk. A functional prosthesis replacement is completed without exposure to the complications associated with spacers. In addition, there are also benefits both financially and in terms of resource allocation.

Different types of hip spacers have been described (hand-made, custom-molded or prefabricated) for treatment of a chronic hip infection. A potential disadvantage of monoblock prefabricated spacer is that it may cause acetabular bone loss. This study assesses the radiological acetabular erosion using an antibiotic-impregnated pre-fabricated polymethylmethacrylate Spacer-G. We retrospectively reviewed the radiographs of thirty five patients who were managed with Spacer-G to treat chronic hip infection. No acetabular erosion were observed in thirty two patients with a mean time from the first to second stage and from the first to the last radiograph of 5.09 and 3.77 months respectively. In three patients the time between the radiographs was more than one year and the second stage was not performed; two developed a protrusion acetabuli whereas the other one a destruction of the acetabular roof. Using a Spacer-G in chronic hip infection treatment for less than one year is not associated with radiological acetabular erosion if the patient is maintained at partial weight bearing., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Due to its advantages, ceramic-on-ceramic bearings have been widely used in young patients for almost 30 years. Long-term survivorship, low wear, and low biological reactivity to particles are some of its characteristics. Even though this material has had a lot of improvements, the risk of fracture is one of the concerns. There have been reports of fracture of ceramic in the acetabular liner and head but no fractures of both in the same patient. We report a case of a fracture in a sandwich type acetabular liner and the ceramic head in a patient involving ankylosing spondylitis. It occurred three years after the operation and with no history of direct trauma. We decided to change the bearing surfaces to metal polyethylene without removing the metal back. The patient is satisfied by the clinical results after a 5-year followup.

Introduction: The pathogenesis of prosthesis loosening is not well understood. The aim of our study was to sonicate components of joint prostheses removed due to aseptic loosening, culture the sonicate fluid, and to correlate these results with the degree of radiological osteolysis., Methods: From January 2008 to June 2009 all consecutive patients who underwent a revision of hip or knee prosthesis due to aseptic loosening were included in the study. Aseptic loosening was established when the patient had radiological signs of loosening without symptoms or signs of infection. The diagnosis was confirmed when histology was negative, and ≥ 5 out of 6 standard cultures of periprosthetic tissue were negative. Bone lysis was measured according to the Paprosky or Engh classifications without knowing the result of sonication cultures. Removed components were placed in sterile bags and immediately transported to the microbiology laboratory and sonicated. Sonicate fluid was cultured and the results were correlated with the degree of bone lysis. The proportion of components with positive sonication culture according to the bone lysis classification was compared using χ(2) test., Results: A total of 52 patients were included and 123 components were sonicated. In 30 patients at least 1 sonicated component was positive (57.7%) and 44 out of 123 (35.8%) components were positive. The proportion of positive sonication cultures was significantly higher in the group of components with a higher degree of bone lysis of 3 (76.5%) than in those with lower degrees (33.9% for 1 and 24% for 2) (χ(2) test, p = 0.0004)., Conclusions: Sonication cultures were positive in 57% of patients who underwent revision arthroplasty for aseptic loosening. The percentage of positive sonication cultures was significantly higher in patients with severe osteolysis., Level of Evidence: level I of Prognostic Studies-Investigating the Effect of a Patient Characteristic on the Outcome of Disease.

The objective of our study was to study which is the most accurate specimen for histological diagnosis of prosthetic joint infections (pseudocapsule or interface membrane). This is a prospective study including hip revision arthroplasties performed from January 2007 to June 2009. Specimens from pseudocapsule and from interface membrane were obtained from each patient. The histology was considered positive for infection when ≥5 neutrophils per high-power field ( × 40) were found. Definitive diagnosis of infection was considered when ≥2 cultures were positive for the same microorganism. According to the definition of infection, patients were classified in two groups: (A) patients with aseptic loosening in whom cultures obtained during surgery were negative and (B) patients with prosthetic joint infection. A total of 69 revisions were included in the study; 57 were classified in group A and 12 in group B. In group B, the percentage of positive interface membrane histology was significantly higher than the percentage of positive pseudocapsule histology (83 vs 42%, P=0.04, Fisher's exact test). The results suggest that periprosthetic interface membrane is the best specimen for the histological diagnosis of prosthetic joint infection.

Objective: To determine the accuracy of guided computed tomography aspiration in the detection of septic hip prosthesis before surgery., Materials and Methods: Sixty-three patients (35 women and 28 men; age range, 29-86 years; mean age, 71 years) with clinically suspected septic hip prosthesis were prospectively studied with independent review board (IRB) approval. Volume and microbiological cultures of aspirated fluid and several computed tomography imaging findings such as periprosthetic fluid collections, prosthetic acetabular malposition, and heterotopic ossification were analyzed. All patients underwent revision surgery and infection was finally diagnosed in 33 patients., Results: Statistical comparative analysis was performed comparing computed tomography aspiration and surgical findings (95% CI; level of significance at P=0.05 two-sided) with 70% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 84% accuracy, 100% positive predictive value, and 75% negative predictive value. Using Fisher's exact test, the presence of periprosthetic fluid collections (P=0.001), prosthetic acetabular malposition (P=0.025) and aspirated fluid volume (P=0.009) were significantly higher in infected than in non-infected prostheses, whereas heterotopic ossification was not (P=0.429)., Conclusion: Computed tomography aspiration is accurate to preoperatively diagnose septic hip prosthesis on the basis of volume and bacterial cultures of aspirated joint fluid. Furthermore, imaging findings such as periprosthetic fluid collections and prosthetic acetabular malposition strongly suggest infected prosthesis.

With the recent trend towards reducing hospital stay, it has become increasingly important to ensure that early patient discharge after total hip replacement is a safe practice. We evaluated complications and length of hospital stay associated with primary unilateral hip arthroplasty in 47 patients undergoing a new early discharge protocol consisting of at home based specialized care after hospital discharge. The mean length of stay (and standard deviation) in hospital was 4.59 ± 0.68. The mean length of stay of home-based hospitalization was 3.7 ± 1. The prevalence of postoperative complications was 12.8% and the readmission rate was 6.4%. We saw a reduction of hospital stay with no difference in outcomes in comparison with previous data. On the basis of our findings we recommend the use of the early discharge protocol following elective primary total hip replacement and ongoing evaluation of the process.

Surgical navigation systems are offered to provide more precise implantation of the femoral component in hip resurfacing (HR), allowing to reduce the risk of malpositioning and of femoral neck fracture and notching. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 30 HR divided into two cohorts and compared the results of a nonnavigated group (15 hips) with those of a navigated group (15 hips). The BrainLAB Computer Navigation System was used in all cases. No notching occurred in either group. The femoral component did not show better positioning in the navigated group, but more outlier cases were observed in the nonnavigated group (7, versus 3 in the navigated group). Although there are no long-term studies showing that surgical navigation increases the survival of HR, the avoidance of outlier values justifies its use, especially during the surgical learning curve, which is a difficult and lengthy one.

The use of cortical strut allografts in the treatment of periprosthetic femoral fractures remain controversial. Complications such as infection and the potential transmission of disease remain concerns. A retrospective review at a tertiary-care hospital was completed of 21 patients who had sustained a periprosthetic femoral fracture and who were treated using a plate and a deep-frozen cortical strut allograft, between 1996 and 2007. The average age at the time of surgery was 80.3 years old and included 16 women and 5 men. Three patients were lost to follow-up and four died within a few weeks of discharge. The remaining 14 patients were evaluated clinically and radiographically with a mean follow-up of 3.2 years. Fracture union was observed in 13 patients, and integration of the graft occurred in 12 patients. One of the 14 patients developed a deep infection with Coagulase-Negative Staphylococcus, with a satisfactory outcome after surgical debridement and antibiotic treatment. There were no cases of fixation failure or plate rupture. At the final evaluation, the mean EQ-5D VAS score was 64 (ranging from 40-90 points) and the mean EQ-5D health state index adapted to Spanish value sets was 0.57. The mean Oxford Hip Score was 31.2. The results support the use of cortical allograft for these fractures to increase the likelihood of fracture healing and to improve the bone stock. We consider that cortical strut grafting is specially indicated for B1 and C fractures in which decreased bone density is present.

Introduction: The histology of periprosthetic tissue is a gold standard for the diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection. However, the specificity and sensitivity of histology has never been 100%. In the present study we hypothesized that the type of microorganism could be related to the effectiveness of histology in the detection of infection., Material and Methods: Frozen sections and cultures from periprosthetic tissue of 38 revision arthroplasties taken at the time of resection arthroplasty for the treatment of infection were retrospectively reviewed. Frozen sections were evaluated following Feldman's criteria. A culture was considered positive when the same microorganism was isolated in at least two samples or when pus was present around the prosthesis. The literature providing information on histology and microbiology of arthroplasty-associated infection was reviewed., Results: Coagulase-negative staphylococcus (CNS) was the etiology in 13 cases, Gram-negative bacilli in 8, Staphylococcus aureus in 7, Candida sp in 2, Peptococcus sp in 2, Enterococcus sp in 1 and S. pneumoniae in 1. No microorganism was isolated in four cases. Almost all the frozen sections in the 38 cases were positive except in 2 of the 13 that were caused by CNS (15.3%). The articles reviewed supported our findings., Conclusion: Frozen section is a useful test to intraoperatively confirm an infection when preoperative septic loosening is suspected. However, histology has false-negative results when the infection is due to low-virulence microorganisms.

Background and Objective: Avascular necrosis of femoral head (AVN) has been identified as a frequent complication after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Advances in the treatment for haematological malignancies have improved survival after HSCT. The aim of this study was to report the short and medium-term results of total hip arthroplasty for the treatment of AVN., Patients and Method: We performed 12 consecutive total hip arthroplasties (THA) with at least 2 year follow up. The diagnosis was AVN in the context of HSCT. Except for one, in all the patients THA was the first surgical procedure., Results: On the Merle D'Augbigne and Postel grading system, 83% hips were good or excellent. There were no revisions for septic or aseptic loosening., Conclusions: We conclude that, in our experience, THA provided a good short and medium term follow up in patients with AVN after HSCT, and it seems to be a safe and effective treatment and the best option after conservative treatment failure.

Intraoperative histology has a high specificity and sensitivity when a septic prosthesis loosening is suspected. However, its usefulness to predict the presence of microorganisms when aseptic loosening is suspected is not well defined. Intraoperative histology and cultures from periprosthetic tissue of 61 revision arthroplasties performed owing to suspected aseptic loosening were retrospectively reviewed. Frozen sections were evaluated following Mirra's criteria (adapted by Feldman). Culture was considered positive when the same microorganism was isolated in at least two samples. The cultures were positive in 12 cases and coagulase-negative staphylococci were the most common microorganisms (11 cases). In six out of 12 cases (50%), the histology revealed more than five polymorphonuclear leukocytes per high-power field. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of histology to detect the presence of microorganisms was 50, 81, 40 and 86%, respectively. In conclusion, intraoperative histology using Mirra's criteria had a low sensitivity to predict the presence of microorganisms in samples from suspected aseptic prosthetic loosening.

In order to reduce the final stages of cementing time and intra-operative time, we analysed the behaviour pattern of a quick-setting cement. Quick-setting cement permits easy and adequate manipulation, which reduces surgical time and also the technical problems caused by waiting for setting to be completed. In order to verify the efficacy of faster cement, a double-blind randomised study was carried out comparing a type of traditional cement with quick-setting cement. Two groups of 20 patients were compared. The results show that the fast cement reduces setting time by an average of one minute and 55 seconds (p < 0.01) and presents similar manipulation characteristics to those of conventional cement. (Hip International 2005; 15: 143-8).

Backgrounds and Objective: Direct exchange using antibiotic-impregnated cement is a treatment option for hip prosthesis infection (HPI). Nevertheless, a local antibiotic use is not always possible. We present our experience with direct exchange with and without antibiotic-impregnated cement., Patients and Method: Fourteen patients with a HPI were treated with direct exchange. The femoral component was cemented with an antibiotic in 7 cases and in 7 it was not cemented. The patients received antibiotic prophylaxis and antibiotic treatment for a mean of 3 months. Clinical evolution of the infection was prospectively assessed., Results: There were no differences with regard to the clinical and microbiologic characteristics between both groups. In the last control (minimum 2 years) all the patients were cured., Conclusions: Our results suggest that direct exchange without local antibiotic is an option in HPI. Further studies are needed to evaluate the usefulness of antibiotic loaded cement.

Background and Objective: The suitable antibiotic(s) and duration of treatment for hip prosthesis acute infections (HPAIs) has not been clearly defined., Patients and Method: We studied 32 patients whose HPAI was diagnosed within 2 months after surgery. All patients underwent debridement and samples were taken for culture purposes. Antibiotics were started and adjusted to the antibiogram. Ambulatory follow-up controls were carried out for more than 18 months after treatment had finished., Results: There were 16 cases of staphylococcal infection while it was streptococcal in 2 cases, enterococcal in 6 and due to gram-negative bacillus in 6 patients. In 2 patients, the causal microorganism could not be identified. Patients with an infection due to gram-positive cocci (other than enterococci) were administered an association of antibiotics including rifampicin for a mean 2.7 months period. Outcome was favorable in 100% valuable cases, after a mean follow-up of 20.7 months. Patients with enterococcal infections were treated with a glycopeptide or beta-lactams for a mean of 2.6 months; all them had a unfavorable outcome. Out of 6 infections due to gram-negative bacilli, 2 valuable cases had a favorable evolution., Conclusions: HPAIs due to Staphylococcus sp. or Streptococcus sp. can be successfully treated by means of surgical debridement plus an antibiotic scheme that includes rifampicin for a maximum period of 3 months. It is necessary to analyze the effectiveness of new antibiotics or antibiotic associations in cases of enterococcal infections.