A Modified Technique for Artificial Fusion in Unreconstructable Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty

Abstract

Knee arthrodesis is an acceptable treatment that leads to a stable joint with a lower rate of recurrence of infection in periprosthetic joint infections. One of the major problems in some revision cases is the bone loss that interferes with the bony union; therefore, some studies suggest artificial arthrodesis, which does not require bony union. The present descriptive retrospective study was conducted by reviewing the medical records of patients with periprosthetic joint infection complications. Patient satisfaction was evaluated after artificial arthrodesis, based on the visualized analog scale score and Oxford Knee Score. The mean Oxford Knee Score was 28, and the mean limb length discrepancy was 11 mm. In this new method, the length of hospitalization and leg length discrepancy was reduced, limb alignment and rotation was adjustable, and periprosthetic joint infection was controlled in nearly all patients.

Keywords

• Revision TKA
• Artificial arthrodesis
• Conventional arthrodesis
• Infected TKA
• Limb length discrepancy