A comparison of low-dose teicoplanin-loaded spacer application vs. high-dose vancomycin-and-gentamicin-loaded spacer application in the treatment of periprosthetic knee infection

Background/purpose In the current study, our aim was to compare the efficacy and biocompatibility of teicoplanin-loaded and vancomycin-and-gentamicin-loaded articulating spacers used in two-stage revision arthroplasty for eradication of periprosthetic knee joint infection. Methods In the current retrospective cohort study, there were 24 patients who were given 2 g or less antibiotics per 40 g of cement in the low-dose teicoplanin group, and 20 patients who were given a total of 3.6 g or more antibiotics per 40 g of cement in the high-dose vancomycin and gentamicin group. Two groups were compared statistically. Results There was no statistically significant difference in the treatment failure between the two groups (p = 0.488). No statistically significant differences were found in spacer fracture rates between the two groups (p = 0.802). Conclusion The current study has demonstrated that low-dose teicoplanin protocol is as effective and safe as high-dose vancomycin and gentamycin protocol.