Aims. The integrity of the soft tissue envelope is crucial for successful treatment of infected total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the rate of limb salvage, infection control, and clinical function following microvascular free flap coverage for salvage of the infected TKA. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed 23 microvascular free tissue transfers for management of soft tissue defects in infected TKA. There were 16 men and seven women with a mean age of 61.2 years (39 to 81). The median number of procedures performed prior to soft tissue coverage was five (2 to 9) and all patients had failed at least one two-stage reimplantation procedure. Clinical outcomes were measured using the Knee Society Scoring system for pain and function. Results. In all, one patient was lost to follow-up prior to 12 months. The remaining 22 patients were followed for a mean of 46 months (12 to 92). At latest follow-up, four patients (18%) had undergone amputation for failure of treatment and persistent infection. For the other 18 patients, 11 patients (50%) had maintained a knee prosthesis in place while seven patients had undergone resections for persistent infection but retained their limbs (32%). Reoperations were common following coverage and reimplantation. The median number of additional procedures was two (0 to 6). Clinical function was poor in patients who underwent reimplantation and retained a knee prosthesis following free flap coverage with a mean KSS score for pain and function of 44 (0 to 70) and 30 (0 to 65), respectively. All patients required an assistive device. Extensor mechanism problems and extensor lag requiring bracing were common following limb salvage and prosthesis reimplantation. Conclusion. Microvascular tissue transfer for management of infected TKA can be successful in limb salvage (82%) but clinical outcomes in salvaged limbs were poor. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(6 Supple A):176–180

Aims. To examine the rates of hamstring graft salvage with arthroscopic debridement of infected anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction as reported in the literature and discuss functional outcomes. Materials and Methods. A search was performed without language restriction on PubMed, EMBASE, Ovid, CINAHL and Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) databases from their inception to April 2015. We identified 147 infected hamstring grafts across 16 included studies. Meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model to estimate the overall graft salvage rate, incorporating two different definitions of graft salvage. Results. The graft salvage rate was 86% (95% confidence intervals (CI) 73% to 93%; heterogeneity: tau. 2. = 1.047, I. 2. = 40.51%, Q = 25.2, df = 15, p < 0.001), excluding ACL re-ruptures. Including re-ruptures as failures, the graft salvage rate was 85% (95% CI 76% to 91%; heterogeneity: tau. 2.  = 0.099, I. 2. = 8.15%, Q = 14.15, df = 13, p = 0.36). Conclusions. Arthroscopic debridement combined with antibiotic treatment can lead to successful eradication of infection and graft salvage, with satisfactory functional outcomes in many cases of septic arthritis following ACL reconstruction. Persistent infection despite repeat arthroscopic debridements requires graft removal with the intention of revision ACL surgery at a later stage. Take home message: Arthroscopic debridement combined with antibiotic therapy is an appropriate initial approach in most cases of septic arthritis following ACL reconstruction, achieving graft salvage rates of about 85%. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:608–15

Introduction. Infection following TKA can be a catastrophic complication that can cause significant pain, morbidity and jeopardize limb viability. The integrity of the soft tissue envelope is critical to successful treatment and infection control. While local tissue flaps can provide adequate coverage for most soft tissue defects around the knee, there are cases that require salvage using microvascular free tissue transfers. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the 1) rate of limb salvage; 2) infection control; and 3) clinical function following free flap coverage for salvage of the infected TKA. Materials and Methods. We retrospectively reviewed 23 microvascular free tissue transfers for management of soft tissue defects in infected TKA. There were 16 men and 7 women with a mean age of 61.2 years (range 39–81). The median number of procedures performed prior to soft tissue coverage was 5 (range 2–9) and all patients had failed at least one 2 stage reimplantation procedure. Clinical outcomes were measured using the Knee Society Scoring system for pain and function. The rate of limb salvage and infection control were recorded. Results. One patient was lost to follow up prior to 12 months. The remainder 22 patients were followed for a mean of 46 months (range 12–92 months). At latest follow up, 4 patients (18%) had undergone amputation for failure of treatment and persistent infection. For the remainder 18 patients, 11 patients (50%) have maintained a knee prosthesis in place while 7 patients had undergone resections for persistent infection but maintained their limbs (32%). Reoperations were common following coverage and reimplantation procedure. The median number of additional procedures was 2 (range 0–6). Clinical function was poor in patients who were reimplanted and retained a knee prosthesis following free flap coverage with a mean KSS score for pain and function of 44 (range 0–70) and 30 (range 0–65). All patients required an assistive device. Extensor mechanism problems and extensor lag requiring bracing were common following limb salvage and prosthesis reimplantation. Conclusions. Microvascular tissue transfer for management of infected TKA can be successful in limb salvage (81%) but clinical outcomes in salvaged limbs were poor. The data should be used to counsel patients when contemplating limb salvage in these severe, end-stage cases. For figures, tables, or references, please contact authors directly

Although the vast majority of patients that undergo total knee replacement have satisfactory outcomes with a generally low complication rate, occasionally a patient will be encountered that has had multiple failed surgeries, and now reaches a crossroad as to whether limb salvage will be acceptable or not. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B(11 Suppl A):122–4

Introduction. While knee arthrodesis is a salvage option for recalcitrant total knee arthroplasty (TKA) periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) it is used relatively uncommonly and contemporary data are limited. We sought to determine the reliability, durability and safety of knee arthrodesis as the definitive treatment for complex, persistently infected TKA in a modern series of patients. Methods. We retrospectively identified 41 knees treated from 2002–2016 with a deliberate, two-stage knee arthrodesis protocol (TKA resection, high-dose antibiotic spacer, targeted IV antibiotics and followed by subsequent knee arthrodesis) in patients with complex TKA PJI. Mean age was 64 years & mean BMI was 39 kg/m. 2. Mean follow-up was 4 years. The extensor mechanism was deficient in 66% of knees, and flap coverage was required in 34% of knees. The majority of patients were host grade B (56%) or C (29%), and extremity grade of 3 (71%). Twenty-nine percent had poly-microbial infections, and 49% had multi-drug resistant organisms. Fixation included intramedullary nail (61%), external fixator (24%), and dual plating (15%). Results. Two patients (5%) required amputation for persistently infected non-unions; therefore, limb salvage was accomplished in 95% of patients. After initial treatment, there were non-unions in 24% and persistent infection in 17%. Non-union was significantly correlated with persistent infection, with 50% of non-unions having persistent infection compared with just 6% of united knees (p=0.006). External fixation was a significant risk factor for non-union (70%) compared to intramedullary fixation (8%; p=0.005). Overall, twenty-seven complications occurred in 20 patients and 31% required reoperation other than external fixator removal. Intramedullary fixation led to a 90% rate of both infection control and radiographic union. Conclusion. Two-stage knee arthrodesis using a deliberate protocol (resection, high-dose abx spacer, targeted IV abx, and subsequent arthrodesis) ultimately achieved successful limb salvage in 95% of patients with complex infected TKA. One or more complications occurred in nearly half the patients and reoperation was required for 1-in-3. That substantial risk of complications is not surprising as this large contemporary series included complex, worst-case infected TKA in which: 2/3 had disrupted extensor mechanism, 1/3 required flap coverage, and the majority had poly-microbial or multi-drug resistant organisms. Summary. For contemporary patients with very complex, infected TKA a two-stage knee arthrodesis was reliable in achieving limb salvage (95%) at the cost of a high initial complication and reoperation rate. For figures, tables, or references, please contact authors directly

We undertook a prospective, randomised study in order to evaluate the efficacy of clamping the drains after intra-articular injection of saline with 1:500 000 adrenaline compared with post-operative blood salvage in reducing blood loss in 212 total knee arthroplasties. The mean post-operative drained blood volume after drain clamping was 352.1 ml compared to 662.3 ml after blood salvage (p < 0.0001). Allogenic blood transfusion was needed in one patient in the drain group and for three in the blood salvage group. Drain clamping with intra-articular injection of saline with adrenaline is more effective than post-operative autologous blood transfusion in reducing blood loss during total knee arthroplasty

Abstract

We studied a series of Endo-Modell(r) rotating hinge knee replacements (RHKRs) to determine indications, implant survival and complication rates.

Case notes were audited for a consecutive series of 129 implants performed between 08/12/2002 and 30/01/2009.

Indication for use of RHKR was complex primary arthroplasty in 37.8% and revision in 62.2%.

For primary arthroplasty with hinge prosthesis, commonest indications were: collateral ligament insufficiency (44.4%); advanced RA (13.9%); supracondylar fracture (5.6%). Indications for revision RHK arthroplasty were: aseptic loosening (40.4%); ligamentous or soft tissue failure (14.0%); periprosthetic fracture (7%); infection (51%). Infection was proven in 21% with 54% of patients requiring a one stage and 46% two stage revision. For revision cases, 74% of primary prostheses were cruciate retaining PFC (Depuy) and in 5%, the primary was itself an Endo-Modell(r) RHKR.

Mean time from index to revision procedures was 6.7 years (range 1 year – 23 years).

Complications were: deep infection (6.1%) and non-fatal PE (1%). None developed clinically detectable DVT. Transfusion was required in 29 cases (for such cases, an average 3 units was given). 30-day mortality was 1%. For the revision cases, the average length of hospital admission was 11 days.

Mean duration of follow up was 45 months (with a minimum of 21 days and maximum of 92 months). During this time 2 RHKRs failed. A total of 7 patients died during the period from complications unrelated to their surgery. 31 cases were lost to follow up.

We conclude that in this series of Endo-Modell(r) rotating hinge knee arthroplasties, results are comparable with similar revision procedures. There was a low rate of prosthesis failure, DVT and PE.

Aims. In cases of severe periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) of the knee, salvage procedures such as knee arthrodesis (KA) or above-knee amputation (AKA) must be considered. As both treatments result in limitations in quality of life (QoL), we aimed to compare outcomes and factors influencing complication rates, mortality, and mobility. Methods. Patients with PJI of the knee and subsequent KA or AKA between June 2011 and May 2021 were included. Demographic data, comorbidities, and patient history were analyzed. Functional outcomes and QoL were prospectively assessed in both groups with additional treatment-specific scores after AKA. Outcomes, complications, and mortality were evaluated. Results. A total of 98 patients were included, 52 treated with arthrodesis and 47 with AKA. The mean number of revision surgeries between primary arthroplasty and arthrodesis or AKA was 7.85 (SD 5.39). Mean follow-up was 77.7 months (SD 30.9), with a minimum follow-up of two years. Complications requiring further revision surgery occurred in 11.5% of patients after arthrodesis and in 37.0% of AKA patients. Positive intraoperative tissue cultures obtained during AKA was significantly associated with the risk of further surgical revision. Two-year mortality rate of arthrodesis was significantly lower compared to AKA (3.8% vs 28.3%), with age as an independent risk factor in the AKA group. Functional outcomes and QoL were better after arthrodesis compared to AKA. Neuropathic pain was reported by 19 patients after AKA, and only 45.7% of patients were fitted or were intended to be fitted with a prosthesis. One-year infection-free survival after arthrodesis was 88.5%, compared to 78.5% after AKA. Conclusion. Above-knee amputation in PJI results in high complication and mortality rates and poorer functional outcome compared to arthrodesis. Mortality rates after AKA depend on patient age and mobility, with most patients not able to be fitted with a prosthesis. Therefore, arthrodesis should be preferred whenever possible if salvage procedures are indicated. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(7):669–679

Abstract. Introduction. Knee arthrodesis is one of the treatment options for limb salvage of a failed total knee replacement (TKR) when further revisions were contraindicated. The aim of this study is to determine patient outcomes after knee arthrodesis (KA) following a failed TKR. Methodology. A literature search was conducted for studies published from January 2000 through January 2022 via Medline, Web of Science, Embase and Cochrane databases. Only primary research studies were included with independent extraction of articles by two reviewers. Results were synthesised by narrative review according to PRISMA guidelines, with full tabulation of all included study results. Results. A total of 34 studies with 1,034 patients were included in the review; all were longitudinal observational studies, and none were conducted as randomised controlled trials. Reporting methods were very inconsistent in the included studies, and this heterogeneity led to pooled data totals that varied widely in different categories. The mean follow-up was 3.5 years. Overall, 72.0% (167 of 232) of patients used a walking stick and 12.5% (36 of 287) remained non-ambulatory after KA. Only 7.7% (58 of 752) of patients subsequently underwent above-knee amputation. Conclusion. KA is a potential limb salvage procedure after revision arthroplasties have been attempted in cases of failed TKR. Most patients were able to ambulate both at home and in the community, although with an increased rate of using a walking stick after the operation. However, in the absence of randomised controlled trials, these data may allow for a more accurate counselling and decision making

Aims. Arthrodesis is rarely used as a salvage procedure for patients with a chronically infected total knee arthroplasty (TKA), and little information is available about the outcome. The aim of this study was to assess the reliability, durability, and safety of this procedure as the definitive treatment for complex, chronically infected TKA, in a current series of patients. Methods. We retrospectively identified 41 patients (41 TKAs) with a complex infected TKA, who were treated between 2002 and 2016 using a deliberate, two-stage knee arthrodesis. Their mean age was 64 years (34 to 88) and their mean body mass index (BMI) was 39 kg/m. 2. (25 to 79). The mean follow-up was four years (2 to 9). The extensor mechanism (EM) was deficient in 27 patients (66%) and flap cover was required in 14 (34%). Most patients were host grade B (56%) or C (29%), and limb grade 3 (71%), according to the classification of McPherson et al. A total of 12 patients (29%) had polymicrobial infections and 20 (49%) had multi-drug resistant organisms; fixation involved an intramedullary nail in 25 (61%), an external fixator in ten (24%), and dual plates in six (15%). Results. Survivorship free from amputation, persistent infection, and reoperation, other than removal of an external fixator, at five years was 95% (95% confidence interval (CI) 89% to 100%), 85% (95% CI 75% to 95%), and 64% (95% CI 46% to 82%), respectively. Reoperation, other than removal of an external fixator, occurred in 13 patients (32%). After the initial treatment, radiological nonunion developed in ten knees (24%). Nonunion was significantly correlated with persistent infection (p = 0.006) and external fixation (p = 0.005). Of those patients who achieved limb salvage, 34 (87%) remained mobile and 31 (79%) had ‘absent’ or ‘minimal’ pain ratings. Conclusion. Knee arthrodesis using a two-stage protocol achieved a survivorship free from amputation for persistent infection of 95% at five years with 87% of patients were mobile at final follow-up. However, early reoperation was common (32%). This is not surprising as this series included worst-case infected TKAs in which two-thirds of the patients had a disrupted EM, one-third required flap cover, and most had polymicrobial or multi-drug resistant organisms. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(6 Supple A):170–175

Introduction. The ideal type of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) prosthesis remains a debatable topic with many different options available. Uncemented TKA has been a viable option due to its decreased operating room (OR) time but also because of its proposed improved long term fixation. Unfortunately, in the past uncemented TKA was associated with increased blood loss. Surgical technique and perioperative treatments have changed since these original studies and tranexamic acid (TXA) has become the gold standard for TKA blood loss management. The objective of this study was to evaluate if there was a difference in hemoglobin and hematocrit change, along with blood loss volume during surgery between cemented and cementless TKA when modern blood loss techniques are utilized. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed data from TKAs performed by three high volume surgeons between 2016 and 2019. We excluded bilateral TKA, revisions, hardware removal intraoperatively and other indications for TKA than primary OA. Power analysis determined 85 patients in both the cementless and cemented TKA groups. Patients were matched 1:1 for age, sex, BMI and surgeon. Use of TXA, intraoperative blood loss, differences in hemoglobin and hematocrit pre- and postoperatively days one, two, and three were recorded. Continuous variables were analyzed using T-tests and categorical variables were evaluated using Chi-squared tests. Results. No significant difference was observed between the cementless and cemented groups for hemoglobin (p=0.214), hematocrit (p=0.164), or intraoperative blood loss volume (p=0.343). A trend towards significantly shorter OR time was seen in the cementless group (p = 0.058). Conclusion. With modern TKA surgery, including the use of TXA, there is no difference in perioperative blood loss between cemented and cementless TKA. Unlike previous studies, the use of modern blood loss salvage techniques in conjunction with cementless TKA fixation, does not result in more blood loss during the perioperative period

Aims

Achievement of accurate microbiological diagnosis prior to revision is key to reducing the high rates of persistent infection after revision knee surgery. The effect of change in the microorganism between the first- and second-stage revision of total knee arthroplasty for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) on the success of management is not clear.

Knee arthrodesis is a potential salvage procedure for limb preservation after failure of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) due to infection. In this study, we evaluated the outcome of single-stage knee arthrodesis using an intramedullary cemented coupled nail without bone-on-bone fusion after failed and infected TKA with extensor mechanism deficiency. Between 2002 and 2012, 27 patients (ten female, 17 male; mean age 68.8 years; 52 to 87) were treated with septic single-stage exchange. Mean follow-up duration was 67.1months (24 to 143, n = 27) (minimum follow-up 24 months) and for patients with a minimum follow-up of five years 104.9 (65 to 143,; n = 13). A subjective patient evaluation (Short Form (SF)-36) was obtained, in addition to the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The mean VAS score was 1.44 (SD 1.48). At final follow-up, four patients had recurrent infections after arthrodesis (14.8%). Of these, three patients were treated with a one-stage arthrodesis nail exchange; one of the three patients had an aseptic loosening with a third single-stage exchange, and one patient underwent knee amputation for uncontrolled sepsis at 108 months. All patients, including the amputee, indicated that they would choose arthrodesis again. Data indicate that a single-stage knee arthrodesis offers an acceptable salvage procedure after failed and infected TKA. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:649–53

Aims

Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) is the preferred treatment for anterior medial knee osteoarthritis (OA) owing to the rapid postoperative recovery. However, the risk factors for UKA failure remain controversial.

Aims

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a challenging complication of any arthroplasty procedure. We reviewed our use of static antibiotic-loaded cement spacers (ABLCSs) for staged management of PJI where segmental bone loss, ligamentous instability, or soft-tissue defects necessitate a static construct. We reviewed factors contributing to their failure and techniques to avoid these complications when using ABLCSs in this context.

Aims

Endoprosthetic reconstruction with a distal femoral arthroplasty (DFA) can be used to treat distal femoral bone loss from oncological and non-oncological causes. This study reports the short-term implant survivorship, complications, and risk factors for patients who underwent DFA for non-neoplastic indications.

Aims

Single-stage revision total knee arthroplasty (rTKA) is gaining popularity in treating chronic periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs). We have introduced this approach to our clinical practice and sought to evaluate rates of reinfection and re-revision, along with predictors of failure of both single- and two-stage rTKA for chronic PJI.

Fractures around total knee arthroplasties pose a significant surgical challenge. Most can be managed with osteosynthesis and salvage of the replacement. The techniques of fixation of these fractures and revision surgery have evolved and so has the assessment of outcome. This specialty update summarises the current evidence for the classification, methods of fixation, revision surgery and outcomes of the management of periprosthetic fractures associated with total knee arthroplasty. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:1489–96

Introduction. The management of early OA in young patients with joint preservation techniques utilizing cartilage repair remains challenging and a suitable treatment remains unclear. The management of bipolar chondral lesions in the patello-femoral (PF) and in the tibio-femoral (TF) compartment with cartilage repair is especially troublesome. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes and survivorship after ACI for the treatment of bipolar chondral lesions in the PF and TF compartment. Methods. This was an IRB approved, prospectively collected case series, level 4 study. We evaluated 115 patients. 58 patients who had ACI for the treatment of symptomatic bipolar chondral lesions in the PF compartment and 57 in the TF compartment with a minimum 2-year follow up. A single surgeon performed all the surgeries between October 1995 and June 2014. In the PF group, all 58 patients (60 knees; mean age, 36.6 years) were included, and for the TF group one patient did not return for follow-up, 56 patients (58 knees) were included. For the PF group, an average size of the patella and trochlea lesions were 5.6 ± 2.7 cm2 and 4.2 ± 2.8 cm2, respectively. For the TF group, an average of 3.1 lesions per knee were treated, representing a total surface area of 16.1 cm2 (range, 3.2 – 44.5 cm2) per knee. Patients were evaluated with the modified Cincinnati Knee Rating Scale, Visual Analogue Scale, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, and the Short Form 36. Patients also answered questions regarding self-rated knee function and satisfaction with the procedure. Standard radiographs were evaluated for progression of OA. Results. Patients did well for bipolar ACI in both compartments. In the PF compartment overall, the survival rate was 83% and 79% at 5 and 10 years, respectively. Of the 49 (82%) knees with retained grafts, all functional scores significantly improved postoperatively with a very high satisfaction rate (88%) at a mean of 8.8 years after ACI (range, 2 – 16 years). Outcomes for 11 patients were considered as failures at a mean of 2.9 years. In the TF group, the overall survival rate was 80% at 5 years and 76% at 10 years. Significantly better survival rate in patients with the use of collagen membrane than periosteum (97% vs. 61% at 5 years, P = 0.0014) was found. Of 46 knees with retained grafts, all functional scores significantly improved postoperatively with a very high satisfaction rate (85%) at a mean of 8.3 years after ACI (range, 2–20 years). Outcomes for 12 patients were considered as failures at a mean of 4.1 years. Of them, 9 patients were converted to a partial or total knee arthroplasty at a mean of 4.4 years. Two patients had revision ACI at 5 and 17 months. The other one patient did not require a revision surgery. At the most recent follow-up for both groups there was no radiographic progression to OA. Conclusions. Our study showed that ACI for the treatment of bipolar chondral lesions in the PF and TF compartments provided successful clinical outcomes in patients with retained grafts and could possibly prevent or delay OA progression. The best results in the PF joint are as primary repairs and not after failed osteotomy or cartilage repair with a 91% 10-year survival. Collagen membrane is more encouraging than periosteum for bipolar lesions in both the PF and TF compartments. ACI could be an adequate salvage procedure for bipolar chondral lesions in the TF compartment for the relatively young arthritic patient who wishes to avoid an arthroplasty