The results of knee arthrodesis with dedicated modular intramedullary nail as a limb salvage procedure in infection complications of knee arthroplasty

Abstract

Introduction. Complications after arthroplasty often result in irreversible disability. In some cases, for the extremity to be salvaged, permanent knee joint arthrodesis is a last-chance procedure. Modular implant design simplifies surgical technique and knee arthrodesis without bone-on-bone contact, immediately provides full weight bearing and restores limb length and alignment. Puropose. The aim of this article was to perform a clinical evaluation of patients after knee arthrodesis with a dedicated modular intramedullary nail without bone-on-bone contact after a failed infected total knee arthroplasty. Methods. Between 2017 and 2021, 17 patients were treated with knee arthrodesis with a modular nail after a septic complication of total knee arthroplasty. Clinical evaluation of 15 patients was obtained during a follow-up visit, including: the pain severity using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), physical function using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and Oxford Knee Score, gait independence, and the shortening of the affected limb in relation to the other one. Results. The mean follow-up duration was 1.4 years. The group included 11 women and 4 men with an average of 69.3 (57–84) years. All nails were cemented. There was one recurrence of infection. The mean VAS pain score was 2.73, also 4 patients felt no pain at all. The average functional score on the WOMAC scale was 36.4 (14–60) and for the Oxford Knee Score was 26.5 (15–41). Each patient achieved an independent gait. All patients reported the necessity of use of crutches outside home. The average limb shortening was 2.05 cm (0.5–3.0). In addition, 14 of the 15 patients positively evaluated the procedure results and if they had to, they would again decide on this form of treatment. During follow-up, no complication or problems with implants used were observed. Conclusions. Knee arthrodesis with modular nail offers an acceptable functional result and gives a chance of salvaging a limb in complex septic complications of TKA.