Antibiotic delivery system and method for treating an infected synovial joint during re-implantation of an orthopedic prosthesis

Abstract

An antibiotic delivery system including an intramedullary stem that is adapted to be removably mounted into a medullary canal of a bone. The stem includes a body having an inlet adapted to be in fluid communication with a source of liquid-borne antibiotic and a plurality of outlets disposed along the stem. A channel extends between the inlet and the plurality of outlets for delivering a fluid-borne antibiotic from the inlet to the plurality of outlets so as to distribute the antibiotic along the medullary canal in a controlled fashion. A method of treating an infected joint during a two-stage re-implantation of an orthopedic implant is also disclosed.

Claims

.[.1. An antibiotic delivery system comprising: a femoral intramedullary stem adapted to be removably mounted into a medullary canal of a femur bone, said femoral intramedullary stem including a body having a proximate end and a distal end disposed remote from said proximate end, said body including a plurality of fins extending therealong and disposed in spaced angular relationship with respect to each other so as to define valleys that provide fluid flow spaces disposed between adjacent fins, said fins adapted to engage said medullary canal in a removably stable fashion, a femoral head and a neck extending from said proximal end of said body and between said body and said femoral head, said femoral intramedullary stem including at least one inlet, and a plurality of outlets disposed along said stem and between an outer surface of one of said plurality of adjacent fins in said valleys and in fluid communication with said fluid flow spaces and a channel extending between said inlet and said plurality of outlets, said femoral head having a plurality of outlets and a channel extending between said at least one inlet and said plurality of outlets for delivering fluid-borne antibiotics from said at least one inlet to said plurality of outlets so as to distribute said antibiotic along said intramedullary canal and the socket of a hip joint in a controlled fashion..].

.[.2. An antibiotic delivery system as set forth in claim 1, wherein said body includes an inlet and said femoral head includes an inlet, both inlets being in fluid communication with a source of fluid-borne antibiotic..].

.[.3. An antibiotic delivery system as set forth in claim 1, wherein said femoral head has a hemispherical shape so as to be complimentarily received in the socket of a hip joint..].

.[.4. A method of treating an infected joint during a two-stage re-implantation of an orthopedic implant, said method comprising the steps of: removing the infected implants mounted to the medullary canal of a bone; debriding the medullary canal; installing an intramedullary stem into the medullary canal where the stem includes an inlet, a plurality of outlets and a channel extending between the inlet and the plurality of outlets; said stem including a plurality of fins extending along a longitudinal axis of the stem and disposed in spaced angular relationship with respect to each other so as to define valleys that provide fluid flow spaces disposed between adjacent fins and a plurality of outlets disposed along said stem and between an outer surface of one of said plurality of adjacent fins in said valleys and in fluid communication with said fluid flow spaces providing a source of fluid-borne antibiotic to the inlet of the intramedullary stem so as to distribute the antibiotic into the medullary canal in a controlled fashion..].

.[.5. A method of treating an infected orthopedic implant as set forth in claim 4, wherein said step of installing an intramedullary stem includes installing a tibial intramedullary stem into the medullary canal of the tibia bone and installing a femoral intramedullary stem into the medullary canal of a femur bone..].

.[.6. A method of treating an infected orthopedic implant as set forth in claim 5, wherein the method further includes the step of positioning a coupler between the tibial intramedullary stem and the femoral intramedullary stem so as to provide axial stability between the tibial and femoral intramedullary stems..].

.[.7. A method of treating an infected orthopedic implant as set forth in claim 6, wherein the method further includes the step of establishing fluid communication between the coupler and the inlet of the tibial and femoral intramedullary stems and providing fluid communication between the coupler and a source of fluid-borne antibiotic so as to distribute the antibiotic through the tibial and femoral intramedullary stems and along the medullary canals in a controlled fashion..].

.Iadd.8. A method of treating infected tissue in a patient, the method comprising: a) installing a first intramedullary stem into a first medullary canal of a first bone, said intramedullary stem comprising a longitudinal axis, wherein said installing comprises engaging an outer stem surface of the first intramedullary stem with said first medullary canal of the first bone, the outer stem surface comprising a plurality of fins extending along said first intramedullary stem, said plurality of fins disposed in spaced angular relationship so as to define a plurality of valleys, each of said plurality of valleys disposed between an adjacent pair of fins and providing a fluid-flow space between said adjacent pair of fins when said stem is installed in said first medullary canal, wherein the first intramedullary stem comprises a first inlet, a first plurality of outlets and a first channel therein and in fluid communication with each of said first inlet, said first plurality of outlets and the fluid-flow spaces, and further wherein said first plurality of outlets is disposed along said stem in said plurality of valleys; and b) removing a first fluid from the first medullary canal..Iaddend.

.Iadd.9. The method of claim 8, wherein said removing the first fluid from the first medullary canal comprises using negative pressure in fluid communication with the first medullary canal to remove said first fluid..Iaddend.

.Iadd.10. The method of claim 9, wherein a pump applies said negative pressure to remove said first fluid from said first medullary canal..Iaddend.

.[.11. The method of claim 10, wherein the pump pumps the fluid in a pulsatile fashion..].

.Iadd.12. The method of claim 8, further comprising removing at least one implant from the first medullary canal before said installing said first intramedullary stem..Iaddend.

.Iadd.13. The method of claim 12, further comprising debriding the first medullary canal after removing said at least one implant from the first medullary canal and before said installing said first intramedullary stem..Iaddend.

.Iadd.14. The method of claim 8, further comprising delivering a second fluid to the first medullary canal via said first inlet, said first channel and said first plurality of outlets after said removing the first fluid..Iaddend.

.Iadd.15. The method of claim 14, wherein the second fluid comprises at least one of an antibiotic, a cleaning fluid, an irrigating fluid, a debriding fluid, and a fluid-borne agent for treating infected tissue..Iaddend.

.Iadd.16. The method of claim 8, further comprising installing a second intramedullary stem into a second medullary canal of a second bone, the second intramedullary stem comprising a second channel therein and in fluid communication with a second plurality of outlets disposed along the second intramedullary stem..Iaddend.

.Iadd.17. The method of claim 16, further comprising removing the first fluid from the second medullary canal..Iaddend.

.Iadd.18. The method of claim 17, comprising irrigating the first medullary canal and the second medullary canal prior to removing the first fluid..Iaddend.

.Iadd.19. The method of claim 17, further comprising delivering a second fluid to the second medullary canals via said second channel and said second plurality of outlets after removing the first fluid from said second medullary canal..Iaddend.

.Iadd.20. The method of claim 19, wherein the second fluid comprises at least one of an antibiotic, a cleaning fluid, an irrigating fluid, a debriding fluid, and a fluid-borne agent for treating infected tissue..Iaddend.

.Iadd.21. The method of claim 16, wherein the second intramedullary stem comprises a plurality of fins extending therealong and disposed in spaced angular relationship so as to define a plurality of valleys, each of said plurality of valleys disposed between an adjacent pair of fins and providing a fluid flow space between said adjacent pair of fins when said stem is installed in said first medullary canal, wherein each of the fluid flow spaces is in fluid communication with the second plurality of outlets..Iaddend.

.Iadd.22. The method of claim 16, further comprising coupling the first intramedullary stem to the second intramedullary stem with a coupler..Iaddend.

.Iadd.23. The method of claim 10, further comprising delivering a second fluid to the first medullary canal via said first inlet, said first channel and said first plurality of outlets after said removing the first fluid..Iaddend.

.Iadd.24. The method of claim 23, wherein said pump for applying said negative pressure is also adapted to deliver said second fluid to said first medullary canal..Iaddend.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a surgically exposed total joint replacement of a knee;

(2) FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the antibiotic delivery system of the present invention;

(3) FIG. 3 is an elevational view of one embodiment of an intramedullary stem of the present invention;

(4) FIG. 4 is an end view of the distal end of the intramedullary stem illustrated in FIG. 3;

(5) FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 4A-4A of FIG. 3;

(6) FIG. 5 is an end view of the proximal end of the intramedullary stem illustrated in FIG. 3;

(7) FIG. 6 is an elevational view of another embodiment of the intramedullary stem of the present invention;

(8) FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the implant assembly of the present invention;

(9) FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the implant assembly of the present invention;

(10) FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the implant assembly of the present invention showing the anterior half of the coupler removed;

(11) FIG. 10 is a partial enlarged exploded view of the coupler and tibial and femoral intramedullary stems;

(12) FIG. 11 is a side exploded view of the implant assembly of the present invention illustrating the assembly of the anterior half to the posterior half of the coupler;

(13) FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional plan view illustrating the implant assembly mounted in a human knee joint;

(14) FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional side view of an alternate embodiment of the femoral intramedullary stem of the present invention; and

(15) FIG. 14 is an exploded partial cross-sectional side view of the femoral intramedullary stem illustrated in FIG. 13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(16) One embodiment of an antibiotic delivery system according to the present invention is generally indicated at 110 in FIG. 2, where like numerals are used to designate like structure throughout the figures. The antibiotic delivery system 110 includes an implant assembly, generally indicated at 112, a pump, generally indicated at 114, and a source of fluid-borne antibiotic, generally indicated at 116. The antibiotic implant assembly 112 forms one component of the antibiotic delivery system 110. One of the assembly's basic components includes an intramedullary stem. One embodiment of the intramedullary stem is generally indicated at 118 in FIGS. 3-5. In the case of a total knee replacements the assembly 112 includes a tibial intramedullary stem, generally indicated at 250, and a femoral intramedullary stem, generally indicated at 350 in FIGS. 7-12. Each of these components will be described in greater detail below.

(17) More specifically, various features of the intramedullary stem will now be described with respect to the embodiment designated 118 in FIGS. 3-5. Those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the features described with respect to the embodiment illustrated in these figures are also generally present in the other embodiments described below. The intramedullary stem 118 is adapted to be removably mounted into a medullary canal of a bone. The stem 118 includes an inlet 120 that is adapted to be in fluid communication with the source of fluid-borne antibiotic 116 and other appropriate fluids, as will be described in greater detail below. In addition, the stem 118 includes a plurality of outlets 122 that are disposed along the stem 118. In addition, a channel 124 (FIG. 4A) extends between the inlet 120 and the plurality of outlets 122 for delivering fluid-borne antibiotic from the inlet 120 to the plurality of outlets 122 so as to distribute the antibiotic along the medullary canal in a controlled fashion.

(18) In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3-5, the antibiotic implant assembly 112 and the intramedullary stem 118, per se, is particularly adapted for use in connection with the first stage of a re-implantation of a total knee replacement where the first implant has become infected. As explained in greater detail below and as illustrated in FIG. 12, the antibiotic implant assembly 112 of the present invention may also be particularly adapted for use in the first stage of a total hip replacement where the first implant has become infected. Each of these assemblies will be described in greater detail below.

(19) Referring now specifically to the device as it is employed in connection with a re-implantation of a knee, the intramedullary stem 118 illustrated in FIGS. 3-5 defines a body, generally indicated at 126, having a longitudinal axis A. The body 126 includes a plurality of fins 128 extending therealong and disposed in spaced angular relationship with respect to each other. In the embodiment illustrated herein, the body 126 includes four fins 128 spaced at 90° relative to one another. The fins 128 are adapted to engage the medullary canal in a removably stable fashion. However, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the body 126 of the intramedullary stem 118 may have any number of fins 128 disposed at any angle relative to each other and have any convenient shape. Alternatively, the body 126 may or may not employ fins of the type illustrated herein.

(20) In one embodiment, the body 126 of the intramedullary stem 118 includes an intra-articular end 130 having base plate 132 disposed at the proximal end 134 of the body 126 and a distal end 136 disposed remote from the proximal end 134. The body 126 may also have a tapered cross-section disposed along the longitudinal axis A from the proximal end 134 to the distal end 136 of the body 126 of the intramedullary stem 118. In one embodiment, the fins 128 may have a 2° taper, gradually narrowing from the proximal end 134 to the distal end 136 of the stem. The distal end 136 may terminate in a bullet-like tip 140. However, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the exact shape of the distal end 136 can vary and that the taper may differ from approximately 2°. Moreover, the shape and size of the distal end 136 as well as the extent of the taper may be a function of the various sizes of the stems that may be employed with patients of different sizes. Those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate from the description herein that the body 126 of the intramedullary stem 118, and its distal end 136, can have any shape that facilitates stability of the implant in the medullary canal and that further facilitates the insertion and removal of the device, and that assists in providing a press-fit of the stem in the medullary canal, so as to provide axial and rotational stability.

(21) The inlet 120 is located in the base plate 132 of the body 126. Similarly, the plurality of cadets 122 are disposed between the outer surface 142 of at least one of the plurality of fins 128. In the embodiment illustrated herein, the outlets 122 are disposed along the longitudinal length of the body 126 of the intramedullary stem 118 in the valleys 144 defined between adjacent fins. The size and shape of the plurality of outlets 122 may vary depending on a number of factors including, but not limited to, the type of antibiotic fluid and other agents that pass through the stem 118, the desired pressure and flow of the fluid-borne antibiotic, as well as various patient factors, such as age. In addition and in one embodiment, the plurality of outlets 122 may vary in size, ranging from a smaller size at the proximal end of the stem, to a larger size at the distal tip, in order to compensate for a loss in pressure. In any event, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, location along the body 126 of the intramedullary stem 118, as well as the number of the outlets 122 may vary pursuant to a number of factors, all of which are within the scope of the present invention.

(22) In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3-5, the outer surface of the plurality of adjacent fins 128 is generally planer or smooth. However, another embodiment of the intramedullary system is, generally indicated at 218 in FIG. 6, where like numerals increased by 100 are used to designate like structure with respect to the stem illustrated in FIGS. 3-5. In this embodiment, the fins 228 may include longitudinally extending irregular outer surfaces 242 that are adapted to engage the medullary canal and that allow the flow of fluid-borne antibiotic between the fins 228 and the medullary canal. More specifically, in the embodiment illustrated here, the irregular surfaces 242 may define a plurality of serrations that present peaks 243 and valleys 245, whereby the peaks 243 are in contact with the medullary canal and the valleys 245 present openings through which fluid-borne antibiotic may pass. However, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the outer surface 142, 242 of the fins 128, 228 may take any geometric shape that is calculated to advance the dispersion fluid-borne antibiotic throughout the medullary canal.

(23) As noted above, the intramedullary stem of the present invention forms a part of an antibiotic implant assembly 112. One such assembly is illustrated in FIGS. 7-12 and is particularly adapted for use in the first stage of a two-stage knee re-implantation process. To this end, the present invention may include a tibial intramedullary stem, generally indicated at 250. The tibial intramedullary stem 250 is adapted to be removably mounted within the medullary canal of a tibia bone. Similarly, the assembly of the present invention may also include a femoral intramedullary 350 stem that is adapted to be removably mounted within the medullary canal of the femoral bone. Like reference numerals increased by 100 with respect to the intramedullary stem 118 described in FIGS. 3-5, are used to describe like structure for the tibial intramedullary stem 250. Similarly, like reference numerals increased by 200 with respect to the intramedullary stem 118 described in FIGS. 3-5 are used to designate like structure with respect to the femoral intramedullary stem 350 illustrated in FIGS. 7-12. It should also be noted that the intramedullary stems 250, 350 employ the structure of the outer surface 242 of the fins 228 illustrated in FIG. 6.

(24) Like the intramedullary stem illustrated in FIGS. 3-5, the tibial intramedullary stem 250 includes a body 226 with an intra-articular end 230 having a base plate 232 disposed at the proximal end 234 of the body and the distal end 236 disposed remote from the proximal end 234 (FIGS. 8-10). An inlet 220 (FIG. 9-11) is formed in the base plate 232 to the body 226 and a plurality of outlets 222 are disposed along the longitudinal length of the body 226. A channel 224 (FIG. 10) extends between the inlet 220 and the plurality of outlets 222 for purposes of distributing fluid-borne antibiotic and other fluid-borne agents into the medullary canal of a tibia bone. Similarly, like the intramedullary stem 118 illustrated in FIGS. 3-5, the femoral intramedullary stem 350 includes a body 326 with an intra-articular end 330 having a base plate 332 disposed at the proximal end 334 of the body 326 and the distal end 336 disposed remote from the proximal end 334. An inlet 320 is formed in the base plate 332 to the body 326 and a plurality of outlets 322 are disposed along the longitudinal length of the body 326. A channel 324 (FIG. 10) extends between the inlet 320 and the plurality of outlets 322 for purposes of distributing fluid-borne antibiotic and other fluids into the medullary canal of a femur bone. From the description herein taken along with the drawings, and with the exception of the irregular outer surface of the fins, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that both the tibial and femoral intramedullary stems 250, 350 include all of the features and structural components as the intramedullary stem 118 illustrated in FIGS. 3-5 and described above.

(25) As noted above and illustrated in FIG. 2, the implant assembly also includes a coupler, generally indicated at 410. The coupler 410 operatively interconnects the tibial intramedullary stem 250 and the femoral intramedullary stem 350 and acts to stabilize the joint defined therebetween. The system also includes a pump, generally indicated at 114. The pump 114 is disposed in fluid communication with the source of fluid-borne antibiotic 116 as well as other fluid-borne agents and the intramedullary stems 118, 250, 350 via the coupler 410. The pump 114 acts to control the delivery of titratable fluid-borne antibiotic from the source of fluid-borne antibiotic to the inlet 120, 220, 320 of the intramedullary stems 118, 250, 350 via a conduit 412 or any suitable tubing or other delivery means. In addition, the system may also include a source of cleansing/debriding fluid. In this case, the pump 114 further acts to control the delivery of cleansing fluid in intermittent pulsatile levage fashion to the inlet 120, 220, 320 of the intramedullary stems, as will be described in greater detail below. In addition, the pump 114 may also be employed to remove excessive fluid from the medullary canal and surrounding tissue prior to the reintroduction of fresh antibiotic, irrigating fluid, or other fluid-borne agents into the stem, the synovial joint, and the surrounding medullary canal to facilitate the cleaning of the treated tissue. From the preceding description, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the present invention facilitates the control of a the frequency, duration, dosage and pressure of the fluid-borne antibiotic and any other agents administered by the system in a sustainable and renewable manner. Thus, the present invention facilitates a far better sterile wound bed in a much shorter time than is achievable using the current standard of care.

(26) As best shown in FIG. 10, the coupler 410 includes an inlet 414 that is adapted for fluid communication with the source of fluid-borne antibiotic 116 as well as at least one outlet 416, 418 in fluid communication with the inlets 220, 320 to the tibial 250 and femoral 350 intramedullary stems. The coupler 410 acts to distribute the fluid-borne antibiotic from the source of fluid-home antibiotic 116 to the plurality of outlets 222, 322 through the channels 224, 324 of the tibial and femoral intramedullary stems 230, 350. Likewise, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the coupler 410 also functions to distribute cleansing fluid and any other fluid-borne agents for any purpose directly into the synovial joint and into the medullary canal. In addition, as best shown in FIGS. 7, 8 and 12, the coupler 410 acts to hold the tibial and femoral intramedullary stems 250, 350 rigidly together in longitudinal alignment.

(27) More specifically and as best shown in FIGS. 9-11, the coupler 410 may be divided into anterior 420 and posterior 422 half sections that are operatively mounted together in sealed fashion using fasteners 424 of any suitable type. Together, the anterior 420 and posterior 422 halves of the coupler 410 define a reservoir 426 disposed in fluid communication with the inlet 414 to the coupler 410 as well as the inlets 220, 320 to the tibial and femoral intramedullary stems 250, 350. The coupler 410 includes a tibial stem receptacle, generally indicated at 428, that is adapted to receive the proximal end 234 of the body 226 of the tibial intramedullary stem 250 so as to establish fluid communication between the reservoir 426 and the inlet 220 to the intramedullary stem 250. Referring specifically to FIG. 10, the tibial stem receptacle 428 includes an inlet port 430, a nipple section 432, and a transverse portion 434 extending between the inlet port 430 and the nipple 432. The intra-articular end 234 of the intramedullary stem 250 is adapted to be snugly received in the inlet port 430. Similarly, the base plate 232 is adapted to be received in the transverse portion 434 and the inlet 220 is adapted to be received in the nipple portion 432 of the tibial stem receptacle 428. A gasket (not shown) may be employed at the inlet 220 to the intramedullary stem 250 to provide a proper seal between the inlet 220 of the stem 250 and the nipple portion 432 of the tibial stem receptacle 428.

(28) Similarly, the coupler 410 includes a femoral stem receptacle, generally indicated at 438, adapted to receive the proximal end 334 of the body 326 of the femoral intramedullary stem 350 so as to establish fluid communication between the reservoir 426 and the inlet 320 to the femoral intramedullary stem 350. The femoral stem receptacle 438 includes an inlet port 440, a nipple section 442, and a transverse portion 444 extending between the inlet port 440 and the nipple section 442. The intra-articular end 334 of the femoral interamedullary stem 350 is adapted to be snugly received in the inlet port 440. Similarly, the base plate 332 is adapted to be received in the transverse portion 444 and the inlet 320 is adapted to be received in the nipple section 442 of the femoral stem receptacle 438. A gasket may also be employed at the inlet 320 to the femoral intramedullary stem 350 to establish an appropriate seal at this juncture with the nipple section 442 and the stem receptacle 438. Other seals may be employed to make the coupler fluid-tight as necessary. Thus, the stem receptacles 428, 438 in both ends of the coupler 410 are complimentarily shaped with respect to the intra-articular ends 234, 334 of the tibial and femoral intramedullary stems 250, 350 such that the stems are rigidly held in place by the coupler 410 when it is fully assembled, as illustrated, for example, in FIGS. 7, 8, 9 and 12.

(29) As noted above, the tibial and femoral intramedullary stems 250, 350 may have a 2° taper gradually narrowing from the proximal to the distal end of the device. The tibial and femoral stems 250, 350 may have increasing lengths with each increase in stem diameter. Both the tibial and femoral stems 250, 350 may increase in diameter by 1 mm increments from approximately 14 mm to 22 mm at the base of the stems. This allows for a “press fit” in the intramedullary canal for axial and rotational stability. The intra-articular ends 234, 334 of the stems may all have one standard diameter and may be solid circumferentially for an axial length, such as 25 mm so that any proximal end of any stem will fit into any coupler. In any event, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the dimensions set forth herein are merely representative and are not meant to limit the size and shape of the components of the system.

(30) Another embodiment of the antibiotic implant assembly of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 14-15. In this embodiment, the antibiotic delivery device is particularly adapted for use in stage one of a two-stage re-implantation process for a hip prosthesis. Like reference numerals increased by 400 with respect to the intramedullary stem 118 described in FIGS. 3-5, are used to designate like structure for the femoral intramedullary stem 518. Like the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3-12, the antibiotic delivery device includes a femoral intramedullary stem 518 that is adapted to be removably mounted into a medullary canal of a femur bone. In this case, the stem 518 is mounted at the upper portion of the femur bone. The femoral intramedullary stem 518 includes a body 526 having a proximate end 534 and a distal end 536 disposed remote from the proximate end 534. The stem 518 also includes a femoral head 560 and neck 562 extending from the proximal end 534 of the body 526 and between the body 526 and the femoral head 560. In one embodiment, the femoral head 560 and neck 562 are modular components. In its operative mode, the femoral neck 562 will be supplied in various incremental lengths, such as 5 mm increments, so that the space between the body 526 and the femoral head 560 may be customized for any given patient to maintain soft tissue tension of the hip in order to achieve stability and resistance to dislocation of the femoral head 560 and the socket. The femoral intramedullary stem 518 also includes at least one inlet 520, 521. However, in the embodiment illustrated herein, the body 526 includes more than one inlet, as will be described in greater detail below. In addition, the body 526 and the femoral head 560 have a plurality of outlets 522 and a channel 524 extending between the at least one inlet 520, 521 and the plurality of outlets 522 for delivering fluid-borne antibiotic from the inlet 520, 521 to the plurality of outlets 522 so as to distribute the antibiotic along the intramedullary canal as well as the socket of the hip joint in a controlled fashion. In this context, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the body 526 of the femoral intramedullary stem 518 illustrated in FIGS. 14-15 may have any of the other structure and features described with respect to the stems illustrated in FIGS. 3-12 above.

(31) In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 14-15, the body 526 includes an inlet 520 and the femoral bead includes a separate inlet 521. Both inlets 520, 521 are in fluid communication with the source of fluid-borne antibiotic 116. The femoral head 560 has a hemispherical shape that is complimentarily received in the socket of the hip joint. In its operative mode, the femoral bead 560 will have a range of sizes in, for example, 1 mm increments, so that the head may be customized to fit a particular socket in any given patient. In this way, and as explained in greater detail below, the fluid-borne antibiotic is distributed directly through both the medullary canal of the femur bone as well as at the socket of the hip joint in a controlled fashion. Like the embodiment disclosed above, the flow of the antibiotic may be controlled by the pump 114. Similarly, the pump 114 may be used to disperse any type of fluid, such as cleansing fluid, in intermittent pulsatile levage fashion throughout the device.

(32) In its operative mode, the antibiotic implant assembly, its individual intramedullary stems, as well as the entire system is employed in the first stage of what is an abbreviated two-stage re-implantation process. This process begins with the removal of the infected implants and aggressive debridement of the medullary canal. As noted above, in a traditional two-stage re-implantation, an antibiotic cement spacer would be placed between the tibia and femur bones in a knee as well as the upper portion of the femur and hip socket, in connection with a re-implantation of a hip. The wound would then be closed and would heal completely in the next six to twelve weeks before the patient would return for the second stage. This extended period of time between the first and second stages is necessary, in part, because the antibiotic is distributed fern the cement using elusion principles and is essentially uncontrolled.

(33) However, in the abbreviated two-stage re-implantation employing the antibiotic delivery system of the present invention, the intramedullary stem 118, 218, 250, 350, 518 is mounted in the respective bone and provides direct antibiotic irrigation of the wound once the system is installed in both the tibia and femur (in the case of a knee replacement) or in the upper portion of the femur and hip socket (in the case of a hip replacement). Moreover, as best show in FIG. 12, the coupler 410 in combination with the tibial and femoral intramedullary stems 250, 350 acts to stabilize the joint and provides the necessary spacing between the tibia and femur bones. The wound may be covered with a polyurethane continuously connected porous sponge (for example, Granufoam manufactured by KCI). This porous sponge also occupies deep and superficial wound space. The incisional wound edges are then completely sewn over the negative pressure wound therapy sponge except for the area just large enough to allow a suction disk to be attached to the sponge. The open area of the incision is typically about 6 cm to 8 cm in length, however, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the incision can have any suitable length. The location of the incision is proximal incision on the knee, and distal incision on the hip. An occlusive see-through dressing is then applied. This is incorporated directly over the antibiotic in flow tubing and the outgoing wound suction tubing.

(34) The direct infusion of antibiotic, such as Vancomycin, into the infected joint cavity allows for a very high level of drug concentration to be delivered in a fast and titratable fashion. This is in contrast to solely relying on the traditional antibiotic cement spacer to release the antibiotic through elusion principles alone, which is uncontrollable and typically starts out with most of the antibiotic released within the first few days, then gradually tapering off over the next weeks to months.

(35) The present invention also takes advantage of concentration gradients. Over a typical 24-hour period, 4 g of Vancomycin could be delivered directly into the wound bed at the site of the infection at a concentration of approximately 13.3 mg per mm. In contrast, traditional IV antibiotic delivery systems, in which 1 g of antibiotic are given every 24 hours, will achieve a serum concentration level of around 10 μg to 20 μg per mm, and even less of a level in the actual joint space itself through diffusion. Those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the practice among surgeons may vary and so different types of antibiotics in different concentrations may be preferred by different surgeons under different circumstances. Nevertheless, in the example set forth above, there is a concentration difference of a 1,000 fold or more in what concentration the actual joint space itself is projected to see between the two techniques. In addition, and using the traditional two-stage technique described in the background section of this application, there is no way to control the overall amount or rate of antibiotic elusion from the cement spacer.

(36) The intramedullary stems 118, 218, 250, 350, 518 of the present invention may be manufactured of any suitable material. However, one suitable material of note includes a copper alloy. Copper has recently been recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as the first solid surface material to be registered under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodentcide Act. According to the EPA registration, certain copper alloys continuously reduce bacterial contamination achieving approximately 99.9% reduction within two hours of exposure. In addition, copper alloys can also kill greater than 99.9% of bacteria within two hours of exposure. Moreover, certain copper alloys deliver continuous and ongoing antibacterial action, even alter repeated wear and re-contamination. Those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that many different types of copper alloys may be suitable for this purpose. However, in order for the alloys to have antibacterial properties, it is believed that they must contain at least 65% copper. As presently best understood, there are currently 48 cast alloys which are included in the Group II Copper Alloys which have between 85% and 95% copper. In any event, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the present invention is not limited to any specific copper alloy or any particular material.

(37) Like the stems, in one preferred embodiment the coupler 410 may also be metallic and may be manufactured using a copper alloy. Multiple couplers may be available, each having a variable thickness and transverse dimension that act to separate the abutting ends of the stems by, for example 5 mm increments, to allow the distance between the tibial and femoral stems to be customized in order to allow proper distraction of the joint cavity (for example between 25 mm and 40 mm), until the desired tension on the ligaments could be obtained. As noted above, in addition to the pump delivering the antibiotic fluid, the system 110 may also employ a negative pressure wound therapy to remove antibiotic irrigation fluid and to aid in the eradication of infection through principles unique to that technology.

(38) The antibiotic delivery system 110 and the associated implant 112 assembly of the present invention overcomes the disadvantages in the related art in providing a modular, implantable device designed for short-term use of approximately one week as a part of an abbreviated two-stage re-implantation technique for treatment of a septic (infected) TJR of either the knee or the hip. The present invention provides structural rigidity to the joint and the limb during the period of time between the removal of an infected prosthesis and the re-insertion of a new prosthesis. This allows the patient to be mobile, while minimizing pain. In addition, the implant assembly 112 maintains joint space while acting as a temporary spacer. This maintains proper length of vital structures, including ligaments, muscles, tendons, neurovascular structures, etc., until the new prosthesis can be implanted. The system 110 and the individual components thereof act to deliver a controlled and titratable antibiotic dosed directly into the synovial joint cavity and medullary canals via an infusion system. In addition, the system and its components act to irrigate and cleanse the medullary canals through a novel concept utilizing intermittent pulsatile levage.

(39) The present invention has been described in an illustrative manner. It is to be understood that the terminology that has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. Therefore, within the scope of the appended claims, the present invention may be practiced other than as specifically described. In addition, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate from the foregoing description, taken along with the drawings, that the term “system” as used in the claims may encompass individual components of the system, such as the intramedullary stems, the implant assembly for both a knee and hip, as well as the entire system, including the implant assembly, the pump, and the source of antibiotic fluid. Thus, the term “system” as it is used in the claims does not necessarily encompass all of the components of the system and, depending on the scope of the individual claims, may refer to merely a subcomponent of that system.