Recurrence of gout after total knee arthroplasty

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Rheumatology
• Crystal-induced arthritis

Background:

• Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a common procedure for knee osteoarthritis.
• Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by monosodium urate crystals.
• The presentation of gout in the setting of TKA is not well-established.

Observation:

• Two cases of acute recurrent gout in knees following TKA are presented.
• One case involved coexistent infection alongside the gout flare.
• These cases highlight a potential underrecognized complication of TKA.

Findings:

• Gout recurrence can manifest acutely after total knee arthroplasty.
• Distinguishing between crystal arthropathy and infection in TKA can be challenging.
• The presence of infection may complicate the diagnosis and management of gout in TKA.

Implications:

• Clinicians should consider gout in the differential diagnosis of acute knee pain after TKA.
• Early recognition and appropriate management are crucial for favorable outcomes.
• Further research is warranted to understand the incidence and optimal treatment strategies for gout in TKA patients.