Intramedullary knee arthrodesis as a salvage procedure after failed total knee replacement

Septic and aseptic loosening with or without extensive bone loss after total knee replacement are the most common indications for knee fusion. Both external fixation and intramedullary nailing can be used for the treatment, though the latter appears to be the method of choice for most patients. Nine patients were treated after a total knee replacement failure using intramedullary nailing. A long intramedullary nail with a proximal interlocking screw was used in five cases, and a customised nail was used in four cases. Successful fusion occurred in eight of nine patients (89%). Average time for the joint union was 6.5 months, and average operative blood loss was 860 ml. In two patients, iliac crest and patellar bone graft were also used. In conclusion, intramedullary nailing can give excellent results in achieving knee fusion after a failed knee replacement as it allows early weight bearing and at the same time offers stability, pain relief, and a high rate of union, even though the surgical technique is demanding.