The role of antibiotic calcium sulfate beads in acute periprosthetic knee infection: a retrospective cohort study

Background The study aimed to compare debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention (DAIR) vs. debridement antibiotic bead and retention of the implant (DABRI) in terms of infection-free success rate and treatment cost for acute periprosthetic joint infections after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Method Between 2017 and 2020, 32 patients with acute periprosthetic joint infection who were treated by total knee arthroplasty were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were divided into a DAIR group ( n =15) and a DABRI group ( n =17). During the DABRI, additional calcium ulphate antibiotic beads were used. Patient age, the Musculoskeletal Infection Society score, microorganisms involved, and success rate were assessed. Results The mean age of DAIR group ( n =15) was 69 years, with 7 being male, and 8 female. The mean follow-up period lasted 30 months. The success rate was 80% (12/15). The mean age of DABRI group ( n =17) was 64 years, with 10 patients being male and 7 female. The mean follow-up period was 16 months. The success rate was 88% (15/17). There were no significant differences in patient age ( P >0.05), the Musculoskeletal Infection Society score ( P >0.05), and success rate ( P >0.05). A significant difference was found in the follow-up period between the two groups ( P <0.05). Conclusion Both DAIR and DABRI could be used to treat acute periprosthetic joint infections and the outcomes and treatment costs of the two procedures were comparable. Additional use of calcium sulfate beads was safe, but might not improve the treatment result. Randomized controlled studies are warranted for the routine use.