Knee fusion using dual platings with the locking compression plate

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) can fail due to infection, necessitating salvage procedures.
• Knee arthrodesis (fusion) is a viable option for managing infected, unreconstructable TKAs.

Observation:

• Three cases of infected TKAs were treated using knee fusion with locking compression plates.
• The surgical technique involved utilizing internal fixation with plates.

Findings:

• All three patients achieved successful bone healing after knee fusion.
• Follow-up of at least two years demonstrated significant improvement in patient symptoms.
• Patients also showed enhanced mobility following the arthrodesis procedure.

Implications:

• Locking compression plates offer a reliable method for achieving knee fusion in complex cases.
• This approach provides a successful limb salvage option, restoring function and alleviating pain.
• Further research could explore long-term outcomes and patient-reported satisfaction.