title: Knee arthrodesis using an intramedullary nail.
abstract: Fifteen knee arthrodeses using an intramedullary nail were performed in 15 patients. Indications included 11 failed total knee arthroplasties (10 of 11 septic). A retrospective review revealed 100% fusion rate. Complications included 4 cases of painful hardware, 1 trochanteric bursitis, and 1 deep infection. Ten patients were available for assessment at 7 years follow-up. Average leg length discrepancy was 3.7 cm. Anatomic axis averaged 1.3 degrees valgus. Flexion angle averaged 3.5 degrees . Compared with age-matched controls, our patients fared significantly worse in physical functioning, physical role, bodily pain, vitality, and social functioning. Arthrodesis of the knee with an intramedullary nail provides a reliable means of fusion with reasonable alignment. These patients have high rates of pain and diminished functional status.
authors.affiliation: University of Tennessee, Campbell Clinic, Memphis, Tennessee 38017, USA.
authors.forename: John R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Crockarell
authors.forename: Marc J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Mihalko
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001174:Arthrodesis / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005594:Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary; D006801:Humans; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000601:surgery*; D007870:Leg Length Inequality / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012086:Reoperation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome