Can a Silver-Coated Arthrodesis Implant Provide a Viable Alternative to Above Knee Amputation in the Unsalvageable, Infected Total Knee Arthroplasty?

摘要

Background: In the unsalvageable, infected total knee arthroplasty, knee arthrodesis is one treatment option with lower reported reinfection rates compared with repeated 2-stage revision and improved function compared with amputation. One possible method for reducing incidence of recurrent infection treated by arthrodesis is the use of a silver-coated implant. We report our experience of silver-coated arthrodesis nails used for managing infected revision arthroplasty. We primarily assess the rate of reinfection and rate of amputation and report functional outcome measures.