[Knee arthrodesis with external ring fixator after infected knee arthroplasty].
BACKGROUND
Infection following knee arthroplasty is a severe complication which may lead to arthrodesis or even amputation. We wanted to examine the results after arthrodesis of the knee using the Ilizarov ring fixator in eight patients.


METHODS
Eight patients (seven females, one male) who underwent knee arthrodesis with the Ilizarov external fixator were studied retrospectively. Their median age was 63 (51-84) years. The mean follow-up period after removal of the fixator was 10 months.


RESULTS
Six arthrodeses healed without further operation. One patient died before the end of follow-up. One patient had an above-knee amputation because of chronic infection. Associated complications were the complications/problems which are already well known.


CONCLUSIONS
The Ilizarov ring fixator is a reliable method for performing arthrodesis after removal of an infected total knee arthroplasty.
Johannsen
Hans Gad
HG
Knaeartrodese med ekstern ringfiksator efter inficeret knaealloplastik. hans.dorte@dadlnet.dk
Skov
Ole
O
Weeth
Ernst Rainer
ER
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001174:Arthrodesis / Q000379:methods*; D019645:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016267:External Fixators; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D018889:Ilizarov Technique; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020370:Osteoarthritis, Knee / Q000601:surgery; D016459:Prosthesis-Related Infections / Q000601:surgery*; D012189:Retrospective Studies