Arthrodesis of the knee

J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2004 Apr;86(4):835-48. doi: 10.2106/00004623-200404000-00027.

Abstract

The most common indication for arthrodesis of the knee is an infection at the site of a total knee arthroplasty. Deficiencies in bone stock and poor bone apposition adversely affect the success of a knee arthrodesis. Arthrodesis of the knee can provide a stable, painless extremity for high-functioning patients who are able to walk. Patient function after arthrodesis of the knee is superior to that after above-the-knee amputation. Conversion of a solid knee fusion to a total knee arthroplasty has a substantial complication rate.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Arthrodesis / instrumentation
  • Arthrodesis / methods*
  • Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee / adverse effects
  • Child
  • Humans
  • Joint Diseases / surgery*
  • Knee Joint / surgery*
  • Middle Aged
  • Orthopedic Fixation Devices
  • Prosthesis-Related Infections / etiology
  • Prosthesis-Related Infections / surgery
  • Recovery of Function
  • Recurrence
  • Reoperation
  • Treatment Outcome