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Published on: January 23, 2018
Skin necrosis after total knee arthroplasty
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143-0728, USA. riesm@orthosurg.ucsf.edu
The Journal of Arthroplasty
|June 18, 2002
Summary
Skin necrosis after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a serious complication. Muscle flap coverage is often needed for patellar tendon necrosis, while local care and skin grafts may suffice for patellar necrosis.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Wound Healing
- Reconstructive Surgery
Background:
- Skin necrosis is a rare but severe complication following total knee arthroplasty (TKA).
- Predisposing factors can increase the risk of wound complications after TKA.
- Prompt and appropriate management is crucial for successful outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the treatment and outcomes of skin necrosis after TKA.
- To identify effective management strategies for different locations of skin necrosis.
- To evaluate the success of salvage procedures in preserving the TKA.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case series of nine patients treated for skin necrosis post-TKA.
- Analysis of predisposing factors, location of necrosis, and treatment modalities.
- Evaluation of wound healing and TKA survival rates.
Main Results:
- Eight of nine patients had predisposing factors for wound complications.
- Seven cases of necrosis occurred over the patellar tendon or tibial tubercle, with 6 treated by muscle flap coverage.
- Two cases of necrosis occurred over the patella, both managed with local wound care and skin grafting.
Conclusions:
- Successful wound healing and TKA salvage were achieved in all patients.
- Muscle flap coverage is typically required for patellar tendon or tibial tubercle necrosis.
- Local wound care and skin grafting can be effective for patellar necrosis.
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