Knee arthrodesis with femoro–tibial Küntscher nail

Abstract

This report reviews 12 cases of knee joint arthrodesis. In all cases the intramedullary Küntscher nail technique was used. The main indications were: pseudoarthrosis in five cases, failure of total knee replacement in four, advanced deformity in two and a malignant lesion in one case. A previous arthrodesis with an other technique was tried in five cases. Union of the joint was achieved in a mean time of 3.96 months. The following complications were observed: intramedullary nail removal (four cases), migration of the nail in two (one proximal, one distal). No fractures nor other material failure were detected. Nowadays, knee arthrodesis is a salvage technique in cases where total knee replacement is not the appropriate option. The authors believe that intramedullary nailing should be considered in cases of significant loss of bone mass which makes the correct positioning, as well as stabilizing the joint, difficult.