Is there a role for intraoperative autoclaving and reuse of an infected prosthesis as a spacer during resection arthroplasty?

Authors: Samuel Wellman, Biagio Moretti, Lluís Font-Vizcarra, Andrew Battenberg

RECOMMENDATION: Multiple studies have demonstrated that the reuse of autoclaved prosthetic components during knee resection arthroplasty did not compromise the eradication of an established infection. Though a viable option, there are potential legal implications associated with the reuse of autoclaved components and a proper standard for autoclaving of these components is also not known. Reuse of autoclaved components in resection arthroplasty, particularly for the knee, may be suitable in scenarios when proper dynamic spacer components are not available or for economic considerations.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Moderate

DELEGATE VOTE: Agree: 82%, Disagree: 12%, Abstain: 6% (Super Majority, Strong Consensus)