Articulating Spacers in Total Hip Arthroplasty Surgical Technique and Outcomes

PJI following THA is a devastating complication associated with high morbidity and mortality. Two -stage revision surgery remains the gold standard treatment for eradication of infection. The surgical technique for the first -stage procedure must ensure meticulous debridement of all infected tissue and removal of metalwork, obtain tissue samples for microbiological analysis, and grade the degree of bone and soft tissue compromise. Articulating spacers effectively maintain the joint space, permit hip motion, and enable controlled weight -bearing. In combination, these features help to reduce hip joint contractures and maintain bone stock before the second stage. Articulating spacers are associated with improvements in functional outcomes, and infection eradication rates remain greater than 80%. The main complications with articulating spacers are fractures and dislocations.