[Soft tissue defects as a complication in knee arthroplasty. Surgical strategies for soft tissue reconstruction]

Orthopade. 2006 Feb;35(2):162-8. doi: 10.1007/s00132-005-0909-3.
[Article in German]

Abstract

Soft tissue defects after knee arthroplasty are a severe problem, which can even result in a loss of the prosthesis or the limb. Well-planned strategies are necessary for sufficient soft tissue reconstruction, resulting in optimal functional and aesthetic results. This report provides information on the classification of the tissue defects and the appropriate options for surgical reconstruction. Besides the basic therapy principles of immobilisation, débridement, planned lavages and antibiotic therapy, defect-dependent surgical techniques of reconstructive surgery are implemented. These include skin transplantation, local fasciocutaneous flaps, local pedicled muscle flaps and free flaps. For best results, interdisciplinary treatment by orthopaedic surgeons, plastic surgeons, microbiologists and physiotherapists is mandatory.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee / adverse effects*
  • Connective Tissue / injuries*
  • Connective Tissue / surgery*
  • Connective Tissue Diseases / etiology
  • Connective Tissue Diseases / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Joint Instability / etiology
  • Joint Instability / prevention & control*
  • Knee Prosthesis / adverse effects*
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures / methods*
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Practice Patterns, Physicians'
  • Prosthesis Failure
  • Reoperation / methods