Abstract
It is usually assumed that there is a correlation between the number of previous operations and the clinical outcome of revision knee arthroplasty though it has not been studied and published. We reviewed our series of 81 revision knee arthroplasty patients to ascertain if a correlation exists. All patients had a semi-constrained prosthesis implanted.
Methods: We analysed the data of 81 revision knee arthroplasty patients performed at Wrightington Hospital with an average follow-up of 31 months (1yr – 6yrs). The number of previous operations on each knee were noted and the clinical outcome was determined using a patient satisfaction questionnaire.
Results: Of the 81 patients; 18 were enthusiastic with the clinical outcome; 38 were satisfied; eight were non-committal; 17 were disappointed. Seventy four per cent of patients with one previous operation were enthusiastic or satisfied with the revision surgery outcome in comparison to 55.5% and 0% of patients with two and three previous surgery respectively.
Conclusion: The trend from the above figures suggests that as the number of previous operations increases the likelihood of satisfactory clinical outcome decreases, in revision total knee replacement using semi-constrained prosthesis.
The abstracts were prepared by Mr Roger Smith. Correspondence should be addressed to him care of the British Orthopaedic Association, Royal College of Surgeons, 35-43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3PN.
