Bilateral Knee Arthrodesis and Total Hip Arthroplasty for Knee and Hip Dysplasia Secondary to Spina Bifida: A Case Report.

Abstract

Spina bifida is a rare neurological condition that, if uncorrected, may cause chronic valgus knee stress difficulty with independent ambulation and significant pain. Current literature lacks comprehensive guidance on surgically correcting progressive hip and knee deformities in spina bifida patients, which include osteotomy and primary. When these options are contraindicated, alternative approaches such as arthrodesis may be indicated, although they remain understudied in this population. A 47-year-old man presented with bilateral hip and knee pain. Radiographs demonstrated valgus knee deformities with severe arthrosis and bilateral femoral head subluxation. The patient had a history of spina bifida with chronic lower extremity weakness and neurogenic bladder. He underwent staged bilateral instrumented knee arthrodesis and staged bilateral total hip arthroplasty (THA). This is the first reported case of bilateral instrumented knee arthrodesis in a patient with spina bifida. Orthopedic care of these patients is complex. Surgical correction of symptomatic knee and hip deformities through instrumented arthrodesis and THA may permit an improved functional outcome.