[Primary arthrodesis of the knee joint]

Because of progressive development in the field of knee arthroplasty, currently there are fewer indications for primary knee arthrodesis. Primary knee arthrodesis is indicated in acute or chronic infections in which conservative treatment has failed, monoarticular arthritis in young patients if total knee replacement is not suitable, unstable knee joints caused by poliomyelitis or other neuromuscular disease, neuropathic joint disease, in salvage of the extremities with tumors of the distal femur and proximal tibia, and to obtain length in femur dysplasia. The operation technique with a modified Charnley compression fixator is described. Fifteen patients (100%) treated by this double-frame fixator have had a solid arthrodesis 13.6 weeks after surgery. We found 5 pin infections and had to reset 2 Steinmann pins.