Description:
Researchers at UTHealth have created a novel weight-bearing articular antibiotic spacer to address the known limitations of standard PJI treatment while improving its potential to be a one-stage revision. The intra-operatively shapeable antibiotic spacer construct is incorporated with additional capabilities to treat bone defects while preserving host bone and has the potential to significantly impact the manner in which surgeons treat PJI.
Technology Overview
PJI has become the leading cause of total joint replacement failure, resulting in significant bone loss and disability with a significant mortality rate (24% at 4.5-year follow-up). Two-stage exchange arthroplasty is often the standard treatment of PJI where articulating spacers are fashioned at the point-of care by molding antibiotic-loaded polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) around an articulating surface.
However, these spacers can be prone to subsidence, fracture, or loosening during weight bearing and can result in additional bone loss upon extraction.
Dr. Kenneth Mathis and colleagues have developed a novel weight-bearing articular antibiotic spacer with several benefits:
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Ability to guide the surgeon in shaping PMMA into conventional cone augment geometries without external molds or forms, increasing its potential to be a one-stage revision.
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Intra-operative customizability of the implant geometry to match that of the presented bone defect.
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Allows the surgeon to check the fit prior to cementing and maintains its intended position while the PMMA is curing.
Intellectual Property Status
Stage of Development
About the Lead Creator/Inventor
Associate Professor in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at McGovern Medical School of UTHealth;
Certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery, Dr. Mathis specializes in Total Joint Reconstruction. Dr. Mathis is a member of several professional organizations including the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, the Texas Orthopedic Association, and the Houston Orthopedic Society.
UTHealth Ref. No.: 2022-0006