The first FDA approved modular system for dealing with two-stage revisions of infected hip and knee arthroplasty is produced and distributed by OsteoRemedies, LLC, of Memphis, Tennessee. Called the Remedy Spacer, the device is a sterile-packaged, pre-formed, pre-loaded spacer dosed with Gentamicin antibiotics which its distributor claims will provide a consistent and reliable elution to the infected joint spaces.
When combined with a consistent process for polishing the articulating surfaces, the Remedy spacer is approved for temporary use for up to 180 days.
Proponents say that the system enables surgeons to address a patients’ anatomy with complete interchangeability between femoral and tibial knee sizing for those revisions and a full modular femoral head and stem design for hip revisions. As a packaged solution the Remedy spacer is claimed to save time for the surgeon and the hospital when compared to traditional revision infection procedures.
