Clinical and Functional Outcomes of Knee Arthrodesis by Charnley's External Fixator

Background Knee arthrodesis was originally developed to manage severe joint infections such as tuberculosis before the advent of antibiotics and joint replacement techniques. The procedure aims to eliminate pain and infection by stabilizing the knee joint through bone fusion. Knee arthrodesis remains essential for cases where total knee arthroplasty is not feasible, such as in patients with severe bone loss, chronic infections, or failed knee replacements. Many studies have demonstrated fusion by external fixators because infection is the most common indication of this procedure. We studied knee arthrodesis using Charnley's compression clamps which are easy to apply and economical. Methodology A prospective observational study was conducted on 15 patients for 18 months. Patients with an infection in the knee joint (septic or tuberculous), failed total joint arthroplasty, failed fracture fixation around the knee joint, and neuropathic joints were included in the study. Patients were evaluated using the pre and postoperative Knee Society Score and Knee Society Score (Functional). Results In the study, 80% of the patients were males. Septic arthritis and tuberculosis were common indications for the surgery. More than 70% of the patients were previously operated on the same knee joint. The duration of the fixator ranged from 32 weeks to 39 weeks (7.47 months to 9.1 months) with an average of 35.73 weeks (8.34 months). The final follow-up period ranged from 9.5 to 18 months with an average of 14.1 months. The knee score ranged preoperatively from 5 to 22 (average = 16.2) and improved postoperatively ranging from 50-56 (average = 54). The functional score ranged preoperatively from 40 to 50 (average = 43.60) and improved postoperatively ranging from 80 to 100 (average = 89.66). Conclusions The fusion by Charnley's external clamps is easy, cost-effective, and comfortable for the patients. The complications are relatively fewer and the success rate of the fusion is higher with this treatment method.