Outcomes of Implant-Arthrodesis as Limb Salvage for Failed Total Knee Arthroplasties with Significant Bone Loss: Case Series.

Abstract

We sought to evaluate our consecutive series of knee-implant arthrodesis patients for failed total knee arthroplasties with medium term clinical and radiographic outcomes. We conducted a retrospective review of a consecutive series of 4 patients (average age, 75 years; range, 69-79) with failed knee arthroplasties and deficient extensor mechanism who underwent implant arthrodesis with a minimum 2-year follow-up. The primary outcome measure was the patient's reported outcome measures (Short-Form 12) and visual analogue scale for knee pain at final follow-up. All patients had multiple medical comorbidities, multiple previous knee surgeries with failed nonfunctional knee arthroplasties. Three patients had chronic infections and one had chronic pain and instability, and all had deficient extensor mechanism. Average follow-up was 5.5 years (range, 2-8), and the primary goal of surgery was achieved in all four patients. The average VAS score for knee pain was 3 of 10, and SF-12 was 36.16 (physical score) and 55.70 (mental score), indicating satisfactory outcomes. Satisfactory clinical and patient-reported outcomes can be achieved with implant arthrodesis as limb salvage for failed total knee arthroplasties with significant bone loss at medium-term follow-up.