Avulsion of the fibular head post-total knee replacement.
We report a case of an avulsion of part of the fibular head during a primary total knee replacement for osteoarthritis. Post-operatively the patient developed a foot-drop. However, there was no clinically demonstrable instability of the knee. The patient was managed conservatively, the foot-drop recovered completely and the knee remained clinically stable. We observed that excessive hyperextension and/or a varus strain on the knee during pressurisation while cementing could have led to the injury. We advise caution while using this manoeuvre for pressurisation. This is the first injury of its kind reported in the literature.
Phadnis
Ashish
A
Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, 21, Stevens Walk, Bradley Stoke, Bristol BS32 8SW, UK. ashishphadnis@hotmail.com
Johnston
Phillip
P
Glasgow
Malcom
M
D000368:Aged; D019645:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D005360:Fibula / Q000293:injuries*; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D020370:Osteoarthritis, Knee / Q000601:surgery*; D010543:Peroneal Nerve / Q000293:injuries*