Infected total knee arthroplasty treated with arthrodesis using a modular nail

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Infectious Disease Management
• Biomaterials in Orthopedics

Background:

• Infected total knee arthroplasty (TKA) presents limited surgical options, often leading to challenging knee arthrodesis.
• Traditional arthrodesis methods carry risks of nonunion, malunion, and recurrent infection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a modular titanium intramedullary nail for knee arthrodesis after infected TKA.
• To compare complication rates with conventional arthrodesis techniques.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 21 patients undergoing knee arthrodesis with a coupled titanium nail post-infected TKA.
• Follow-up averaged 2.4 years, assessing fusion rates and complications.

Main Results:

• A 95% solid arthrodesis rate (20/21 patients) was achieved without further intervention.
• Mean time to fusion was 6.3 months; one nonunion was successfully treated with bone grafting.
• The intramedullary nail demonstrated a high fusion rate and reduced complications compared to historical methods.

Conclusions:

• Intramedullary arthrodesis with a coupled titanium nail is a reliable and effective treatment for infected TKA.
• This technique offers a favorable alternative, improving fusion success and minimizing complications.