Antibiotic Spacer Insertion Treatment in India
About Antibiotic Spacer Insertion
Key Highlights
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Effectively eradicates deep-seated joint infections by delivering high-dose antibiotics directly to the site.Preserves joint space and some range of motion during the treatment period, aiding in future revision surgery.Allows for thorough debridement and removal of all infected tissue and hardware.Customizable spacers can be molded to fit the patient's specific anatomy for optimal stability.Provides a definitive treatment pathway for complex periprosthetic infections where single-stage revision is not suitable.
Who is this surgery for?
- Chronic or acute periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) following a total knee or hip arthroplasty.
- Infected joint arthroplasty with significant bone loss or soft tissue compromise.
- Failure of previous surgical irrigation and debridement to clear an infection.
- Infections caused by highly resistant or difficult-to-treat organisms (e.g., MRSA).
- As part of the treatment for a septic joint with extensive destruction.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive diagnostic workup including blood tests (ESR, CRP), joint aspiration for culture, and imaging (X-ray, MRI).
- Consultation with an infectious disease specialist to identify the causative organism and plan antibiotic therapy.
- Pre-operative medical optimization, managing conditions like diabetes or heart disease.
- Discontinuation of certain medications (e.g., blood thinners) as advised by the surgeon.
- Fasting for 8-12 hours before the scheduled surgery time.
Risks & possible complications
- Risk of recurrent or persistent infection requiring further surgery.
- Spacer dislocation, fracture, or mechanical failure.
- Bone loss or fracture around the spacer during the interim period.
- Allergic reaction to the antibiotics in the spacer.
- Damage to surrounding nerves, blood vessels, or soft tissues.
- Blood clots (Deep Vein Thrombosis or Pulmonary Embolism).
- Stiffness and reduced range of motion in the joint.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial hospital stay for IV antibiotics and pain management, followed by a course of oral antibiotics.
- Protected weight-bearing (often non-weight-bearing or toe-touch) on the affected limb using crutches or a walker.
- Physical therapy begins early to maintain muscle strength and prevent stiffness in adjacent joints.
- Regular follow-up visits to monitor wound healing and infection markers (ESR, CRP).
- The spacer remains in place for typically 6 weeks to 6 months until the infection is fully resolved, after which the second-stage revision surgery is planned.
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Typical hospital stay:
5-10 days
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Expected recovery time:
6 weeks to 6 months (until second-stage surgery)
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering antibiotic spacer insertion in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for antibiotic spacer insertion in India include Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, Miot Hospital Chennai, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform antibiotic spacer insertion. MediFyr helps you compare orthopedists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for antibiotic spacer insertion compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Antibiotic Spacer Insertion in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated orthopedics teams and experience managing patients undergoing antibiotic spacer insertion.
Chennai, India
250 Doctors
Sneha Singh, a 68-year-old retired schoolteacher...
Sneha Singh, a 68-year-old retired schoolteacher and avid gardener, had a total knee replacement two years ago. Recently, her knee became increasingly painful, swollen, red, and warm to the touch. She developed a fever and felt constantly fatigued. After tests, her orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Kapoor, diagnosed a periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). He explained that the artificial knee was infected and had to be removed. He recommended a two-stage revision: first, removing the infected implant and inserting an antibiotic-loaded cement spacer to clear the infection and maintain leg length and mobility. Sneha was devastated, fearing she'd never garden again. The surgery was emotionally draining, but the intense pain subsided quickly. For six weeks, she walked with a brace and crutches, administering IV antibiotics at home. The spacer allowed surprising mobility. After the infection cleared, she successfully received her new knee implant. Her emotional journey shifted from despair and fear of permanent disability to immense gratitude for the spacer 'holding the fort,' allowing her to return to her beloved plants with a clean, functional joint.
Orthopedists for Antibiotic Spacer Insertion
Explore experienced orthopedists who regularly perform antibiotic spacer insertion and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 12 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata
- Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 13 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospitals Broadway, Kolkata
- 10 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 13 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospitals Broadway, Kolkata
- 11 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 5 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 30 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata
- 10 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 8 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai
- 17 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata
- 10 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon