Abstract
Articulating spacers provide better function than non-articulating spacers for the patient in between the stages of total knee arthroplasty. An articulating spacer is especially preferred for patients who are likely to have a spacer in place for longer than 3 months.
The type of spacer does not influence the rate of infection eradication in two-stage exchange arthroplasty of the hip. There are no clear contraindications for the use of non-articulating or articulating spacers, other than the technical feasibility of the procedure.
In patients with massive bone loss and/or lack of integrity of soft-tissues or ligamentous restraint, strong consideration should be given to the use of non-articulating spacers.