Knee Arthrodesis for Failed Total Knee Arthroplasty

摘要

The irretrievably failed total knee is a difficult problem with few good solutions. Arthrodesis, initially used for native joint pathology, is most commonly performed today for the irretrievably failed total knee. Knee arthrodesis can allow patients to remain independent and ambulatory. Attempting a fusion in a knee with previous implants is often difficult because of extensive bone loss, and the traditional knee fusion techniques are prone to failures. Several techniques have been developed to improve fusion rates, but limitations have persisted. We have obtained good results with a short intra-medullary nail that allows both intraoperative compression and immediate postoperative dynamic compression with weight bearing. We have described our implant and technique and have obtained a 100% fusion rate with this method. Independent surgeons have achieved similarly good results with the Wichita fusion nail.