Modular intramedullary knee arthrodesis in persistent periprosthetic joint infection: The Indian experience

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to report the outcome of modular intramedullary arthrodesis performed in Indian patients for persistent periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed clinical and radiological records of 10 patients treated with modular intramedullary arthrodesis performed in Indian patients for persistent PJI. Pre- and postoperative (at final follow-up) Knee Society score (KSS), reinfection rate and limb length discrepancy (LLD) were analysed to determine functional outcome and complications of this procedure. Results: Ten patients (6 females and 4 males) who underwent cemented modular intramedullary arthrodesis were analysed for this study. At a mean follow-up of 19.5 ± 5.5 months (95% CI, 15.5-23.5 months), mean preoperative Knee Society knee score of 28 ± 5.9 (95% CI, 23.7-32.2) significantly improved (p<0.0001) to 55 ± 9.8 (95% CI, 47.9-62), and the mean preoperative Knee Society functional score of 15 ± 4.7 (95% CI, 11.6-18.3) significantly improved (p<0.0001) to 35.5 ± 8.7 (95% CI, 29.2-41.7) at last follow-up. The mean LLD was 2 ± 1 cm (95% CI, 1.5-2.5 cm) and the reinfection rate was 20% at final follow-up. Conclusions: The modular intramedullary arthrodesis technique resulted in significant improvement in function and clinical scores in the short-term in Indian subjects. Modular intramedullary knee arthrodesis is an effective, well tolerated procedure in the treatment of patients with persistent PJI.

Keywords

• Knee arthrodesis
• Revision
• Total knee arthroplasty
• Periprosthetic joint infection
• Outcome