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The aim of this study was to determine whether the infection control rate of a modified debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention (DAIR) protocol (DAIR with antibiotic-impregnated cement beads) is comparable to that of 2-stage revision for acute periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We also aimed to determine whether this modified DAIR technique produced better clinical results than those obtained using 2-stage revision in terms of functional outcome, range of motion (ROM), and patient satisfaction at 2 years after surgery. This retrospective comparative study included patients who underwent modified DAIR (7 patients, 9 knees) or 2-stage revision (8 patients, 9 knees) for acute PJI of the knee joint. Infection control rate, functional outcome measured using Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) score, ROM and patient satisfaction were compared between the two groups. There was no difference in infection control rates between the modified DAIR and 2-stage revision groups (78% vs 78%, respectively). In contrast, surgical outcome in the modified DAIR group was tended to be better than 2-stage revision group, but it did not reach statistical significance. Median maximal range of flexion was 103° in the modified DAIR group and it was 90° in the 2-stage group (P = .191). In addition, the median WOMAC function score was 24 in the modified DAIR group and it was 30 in the 2-stage group (P = .076). Median patient satisfaction measured using visual analogue scale was 8 in the modified DAIR group and 5 in the 2-stage group (P = .069). The infection control rates of the modified DAIR protocol and 2-stage revision protocol were similar for the treatment of acute PJI of the knee joint. However, the modified DAIR protocol could not provide substantially increased functional outcomes and patient satisfaction compared to 2-stage revision. Therefore, the modified DAIR technique should be considered to be of limited use in patients with high surgical morbidity.

Infection is one of the most serious complications after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The current incidence of prosthetic knee infection is 1-3%, depending on the series.For treatment and control to be more cost effective, multidisciplinary groups made up of professionals from different specialities who can work together to eradicate these kinds of infections need to be assembled. About the microbiology,Staphylococcus aureusand coagulase-negative staphylococcus were among the most frequent microorganisms involved (74%).Anamnesis and clinical examination are of primary importance in order to determine whether the problem may point to a possible acute septic complication. The first diagnosis may then be supported by increased CRP and ESR levels. The surgical treatment for a chronic prosthetic knee infection has been perfectly defined and standardized, and consists in a two-stage implant revision process. In contrast, the treatment for acute prosthetic knee infection is currently under debate. Considering the different surgical techniques that already exist, surgical debridement with conservation of the prosthesis and polythene revision appears to be an attractive option for both surgeon and patient, as it is less aggressive than the two-stage revision process and has lower initial costs.The different results obtained from this technique, along with prognosis factors and conclusions to keep in mind when it is indicated for an acute prosthetic infection, whether post-operative or haematogenous, will be analysed by the authors.