In primary TKA, prophylaxis with low-dose vancomycin through intraosseous regional administration (IORA) achieves tissue concentrations six to 10 times higher than systemic administration and was shown to provide more effective prophylaxis in an animal model. However, in revision TKA, the presence of a tibial implant may compromise IORA injection, and tourniquet deflation during a prolonged procedure may lower tissue concentrations.
(1) Does low-dose IORA reliably provide equal or higher tissue concentrations of vancomycin compared with systemic IV administration in revision TKA? (2) Are tissue concentrations of vancomycin after IORA maintained for the duration of the revision TKA despite a period of tourniquet deflation? (3) Is there any difference in early postoperative (< 6 weeks) complications between IORA and systemic IV administration in revision TKA?
IORA administration of vancomycin in patients undergoing revision TKA resulted in tissue concentrations of vancomycin five to 20 times higher than systemic IV administration despite the lower dose. High tissue concentrations were maintained throughout the procedure despite a period of tourniquet deflation. These preliminary results justify prospective cohort studies, which might focus on broader safety endpoints in more diverse patient populations. We believe that these studies should evaluate patients undergoing revision TKA in particular, because the risk of infection is greater than in patients undergoing primary TKA.
Level of evidence: Level I, therapeutic study. Copyright remains with the authors and publisher.
In primary TKA, prophylaxis with low-dose vancomycin through intraosseous regional administration (IORA) achieves tissue concentrations six to 10 times higher than systemic administration and was shown to provide more effective prophylaxis in an animal model. However, in revision TKA, the presence of a tibial implant may compromise IORA injection, and tourniquet deflation during a prolonged procedure may lower tissue concentrations.
(1) Does low-dose IORA reliably provide equal or higher tissue concentrations of vancomycin compared with systemic IV administration in revision TKA? (2) Are tissue concentrations of vancomycin after IORA maintained for the duration of the revision TKA despite a period of tourniquet deflation? (3) Is there any difference in early postoperative (< 6 weeks) complications between IORA and systemic IV administration in revision TKA?
IORA administration of vancomycin in patients undergoing revision TKA resulted in tissue concentrations of vancomycin five to 20 times higher than systemic IV administration despite the lower dose. High tissue concentrations were maintained throughout the procedure despite a period of tourniquet deflation. These preliminary results justify prospective cohort studies, which might focus on broader safety endpoints in more diverse patient populations. We believe that these studies should evaluate patients undergoing revision TKA in particular, because the risk of infection is greater than in patients undergoing primary TKA.
Level of evidence: Level I, therapeutic study. Copyright remains with the authors and publisher.