Knee arthrodesis with a long intramedullary nail as limb salvage for complex periprosthetic infections.

BACKGROUND: Periprosthetic infection following total knee arthroplasty is a devastating complication, which is not always satisfactorily resolved by revision surgery. Arthrodesis is a salvage alternative to above-knee amputation or permanent resection arthroplasty. Fixation options include internal compression plating, external fixation, and intramedullary nails. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed twelve consecutive cases (9 males, 3 females; mean age, 67 years) of knee arthrodesis with a long intramedullary nail, performed at a single institution between 2003 and 2014. Desired outcomes were the ability to mobilize without pain, solid radiographic fusion, and the eradication of infection. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 48.5 months (range, 9-120 months). Eleven patients (92 %) demonstrated stable fusion, ten patients (83 %) were ambulatory without pain, and ten patients (83 %) remained without infection at most recent follow-up. Eight patients (67 %) achieved union at an average of 12 months; three required repeat procedures, achieving union at an average of 9 months. There was a significant difference (P < 0.01) between the numbers of previous operations amongst the eight patients who initially achieved union (mean, 3.25) and three who subsequently required repeat procedures (mean, 8.33). CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to similar studies, we performed a single-stage exchange where possible, while comparable ambulatory and fusion rates were observed. Numerous previous attempts at revision arthroplasty, co-morbidities, and infections with highly resistant organisms have been associated with further complications. Although technically challenging, knee arthrodesis with a long intramedullary nail offers an acceptable limb salvage procedure for carefully selected patients with complex periprosthetic infections.

Tibial Crest Osteotomy in Extensile Knee Exposure-A Modified, Low-Energy, Suture Technique.

BACKGROUND: Tibial crest osteotomy is an established extensile knee approach. Complications include mal-union, non-union, and fixation problems.We have designed a technique aimed at reducing complications through the principles of low-energy osteotomy and suture repair. METHODS: We reviewed our clinical and radiological results in 159 consecutive patients 181 osteotomies with a mean age of 66 years, and an average follow up of 22 months. RESULTS: Union occurred in all osteotomies (100%) at a mean period of 11 weeks. Proximal migration averaging 11.5 mm occurred in 6 osteotomies (3%). Crest fragmentation occurred in 11 osteotomies (6%), with all cases resulting in uncomplicated union. No extensor mechanism failure or complications related to the suture material occurred. CONCLUSION: We conclude that this technique results in satisfactory outcomes whilst avoiding hardware-related problems.

Revision total knee arthroplasty for failure of primary treatment of periprosthetic knee fractures.

Periprosthetic knee fractures and their complications are expected to increase as the numbers of knee arthroplasties continue to rise. We report our experience with revision knee arthroplasty for failure of primary fracture treatment. Five periprosthetic knee non-unions and 1 mal-union in 6 patients, with ages ranging from 65 to 83years (average 74.6years) were treated with revision total knee arthroplasty, and were followed up for 3 to 10years (average 4.5years). Union occurred in 8 to 18weeks (average 12.5weeks). All patients were ambulatory at the latest follow-up, with a range of motion averaging 84.2° (P = 0.03), and an Oxford Knee Score averaging 35 (P = 0.03). We conclude that union complications of periprosthetic knee fractures can be satisfactorily addressed with revision arthroplasty.