Acute renal failure after local gentamicin treatment in an infected total knee arthroplasty

Local gentamicin treatment in revision surgery for infected hip and knee prostheses is well established. It is a safe and effective method compared with the systemic use of aminoglycosides. Although nephrotoxic side effects are uncommon, we report a case of acute renal failure after 2-stage revision treatment of an infected knee prosthesis with gentamicin-impregnated beads and block spacers. The combined use of beads and a cement block spacer, both gentamicin impregnated, may have induced this severe complication. Use of this procedure in elderly patients warrants careful follow-up of renal function. Copyright 2002, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.