Artroplastia infectada do joelho: avaliação em artrodeses com semi-anéis Infected arthroplasty of knee: avaliation in arthrodesis with semi rings

Realizaram-se no período de Janeiro de 2006 até Julho de 2008, em pacientes portadores de artroplastia total de joelho infectada oito artrodeses. Com idade média de 66,3 anos (63-80 anos), três pacientes eram do sexo masculino e cinco feminino. Utilizou-se o método de fixador externo com semi-anéis, com acompanhamento pós-operatório médio de 21 meses (12-40 meses). Trabalho multicêntrico, com pacientes respondendo prospectivamente, pré e pós-operatório, questões objetivas, através do questionário Nottingham Health Profile , que avalia qualidade de vida. Foi observado melhora de 49% nos níveis de qualidade de vida pós-operatórios em relação aos pré-operatórios, assim como consolidação clínica radiográfica em todos pacientes. Tais fatos que avalizam a realização desta técnica, para tratamento da artroplastia total de joelho infectada. Nível de Evidência IV, Série de casos.<br>There were eight knee arthrodesis in infected total knee arthroplasties between January, 2006 and July, 2008. The mean age was 66,3 years old (63-80), three patients were male and five female. The method of choice was external fixation with semi rings and the mean follow up was 21 months (12 - 40 months). This is a multicentric prospective study with patients answering the Nottingham Health Profile, an objective questionnaire which evaluates quality of life. We observed an improvement of 49% in the levels of preoperatory quality of life compared to postoperatively, as well as 100% of radiographic union. These are facts that confirm the safe use of this technique to the treatment of infected total knee arthroplasty. Level of Evidence IV, Case series

Intramedullary Arthrodesis of the Knee in the Treatment of Sepsis After TKR

Infection is a devastating complication following total knee replacement (TKR). In the majority of cases, single- or two-stage revision has excellent results in eradicating infection and restoring function. Rarely, recurrent infection requires alternative treatments such as resection, amputation, or arthrodesis. A review of infections following TKR treated at two joint replacement centers identified 29 cases of resistant knee sepsis treated with a long intramedullary fusion nail. Clinical outcome and radiographs were reviewed at an average follow-up of 48 months (13–114). After the initial intramedullary arthrodesis union occurred in 24 of 29 patients (83%). The average time to fusion was 6 months (3–18 months). Failures included two cases of nail breakage, one of which subsequently achieved fusion following revision nailing, and three cases of recurrent infection requiring nail removal and permanent resection. At a minimum 2-year follow-up, 28% of the patients that achieved fusion complained of pain in the fused knee, 28% complained of ipsilateral hip pain, and two patients complained of contralateral knee pain. Four of the 25 fused patients (16%) remained nonambulatory after fusion, 17 required walking aids (68%) and only four ambulated unassisted. There was no association between age, number of previous procedures, the use of two-stage versus single stage technique, or infecting organism and failure of arthrodesis. Intramedullary arthrodesis is a viable treatment for refractory infection after TKR. Patients undergoing fusion should be informed of the potential for nonunion, recurrence of infection, pain in the ipsilateral extremity, and the long-term need for walking aids

Lower extremity growth and deformity

The pediatric lower extremity has well known growth patterns. When deformities or growth disturbances occur, there are several methods to measure and predict the resulting discrepancy, including the Green-Anderson, Moseley, and Multiplier methods. Many techniques exist to correct leg length discrepancy and deformity such and temporary epiphysiodesis, permanent epiphysiodesis, external fixators, and internal lengthening devices. All of these methods have numerous complications and limitations; however, with careful planning and patient selection, length and alignment can be improved with high patient satisfaction