Long-term survival of a semi-constrained implant following revision for infection

Revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in prosthetic joint infections (PJI) is a challenging problem. We evaluated our institutional experience with a semi-constrained implant placed in a PJI setting. Seventy-eight TKAs in 75 patients with a history of a PJI were identified. The average follow-up was 7.5 years. Twenty-three (29%) underwent repeat revision surgery. Five and 10 year survivals were 71% and 64%, respectively. The most common reason for repeat revision surgery was recurrent infection (78%). Smoking and elevated BMI increased the risk of repeat revision surgery. Significant improvements were maintained long term in pain and range of motion (P < 0.01 and P = 0.02). In the absence of repeat infection, long term pain relief and improved function may be expected with the semi-constrained implant.