Introduction: Knee arthrodesis is an established procedure for limb salvage after failed total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in cases of recurrent infection, soft tissue damage, reduced bone stock or with a deficient extensor mechanism. Walking with an arthrodesis is more efficient and less costly in terms of energy expenditure than above-knee amputation. Surgical options include an arthrodesis nail, external fixator or compression plate. We present our results of knee arthrodesis using the modular Wichita Fusion Nail(®) in patients after infected TKA.
Methods: Fifteen patients with irretrievably failed TKA, due to infection, who underwent arthrodesis with the Wichita Fusion Nail(®) from 2004 to 2012 were retrospectively reviewed to assess fusion rate, time to fusion, complication rate, including new infections, and ambulatory status.
Results: Three patients were lost to follow-up. Mean follow-up was 33 months (6-132 months). At their most recent follow-up, all patients were walking with full weight bearing on a fused arthrodesis. Mean time to union was 9 months (3-29 months). Three patients necessitated a revision arthrodesis to achieve union after a mean of 5 months after the last procedure.
Conclusion: Arthrodesis with the Wichita Fusion Nail(®) provides satisfactory results in patients with failure after infected TKA, with 75 % primary union rate and no new or persistent infection at last follow-up visit. Although burdened with a high complication rate, it represents an acceptable option for limb salvage in this particular pathology.
Keywords: Infected TKA; Knee arthrodesis; Modular nail.