Treating Periprosthetic Joint Infection With Silver-Impregnated Carbon-Coated Spacers: Mid-Term Outcomes

Abstract

Background. Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a severe complication of arthroplasty. The widely accepted treatment standard for PJI is a two-stage revision arthroplasty involving the articulating spacers. The implant surface provides an ideal environment for bacterial adhesion, facilitating mature biofilm formation. To prevent bacterial adhesion effectively, the surface of the implanted device must be modified with an efficient coating. The ability of a modified coating based on two-dimensional linear carbon chains (2D LCC) with silver (Ag) impregnation to inhibit biofilm formation and provide efficient bacterial eradication has been investigated in several experimental studies. However, there is a lack of publications on clinical studies evaluating the effectiveness of such coatings. The aim of the study — to assess mid-term outcomes of knee and hip PJI treatment using spacers coated with two-dimensional linear carbon chains impregnated with silver. Methods. This study is based on the results of the examination and two-stage revision arthroplasty of 144 patients with newly diagnosed knee and hip PJI. Patients were divided into two groups: the first (main) group received articulating spacers coated with 2D LCC+Ag, while the second (control) group received articulating spacers with antibiotics. Anamnestic, clinical, laboratory, microbiological, and statistical methods were used in this study. The evaluation of short-term results was performed using the KSS, Harris, VAS, and EQ-5D-5L scales at 3 months after surgery, and mid-term results were assessed at 2 years. Results. The study confirmed the high antibiofilm activity and safety of spacers coated with 2D LCC+Ag. Both groups showed a reduction in inflammation markers during treatment. Before the second stage of treatment, both groups experienced a statistically significant decrease in CRP, procalcitonin, and presepsin levels, as well as synovial cytosis and neutrophil content. The frequency of recurrences after two-stage treatment was significantly lower in the first group compared to the second group. In the mid-term period, the first group had higher scores on the KSS and Harris scales by 20.5 and 7.0 points, respectively. Results on the EQ-5D-5L were 10/0.08 points higher, and the intensity of pain according to VAS was three times lower in the first group. Conclusion. The use of spacers coated with 2D LCC+Ag allows for a faster resolution of the inflammatory process, reduces the incidence of PJI recurrences, and predicts active protection of the implant surface from microbial colonization and biofilm formation. This, combined with antibiotic prophylaxis, provides a favorable therapeutic and preventive effect against PJI recurrence.