Cementless modular intramedullary nail without bone-on-bone fusion as a salvage procedure in chronically infected total knee prosthesis: long-term results

Transfemoral amputation versus knee arthrodesis for failed total knee replacement: A systematic review of outcomes

BACKGROUND

The options available to salvage a failed total knee replacement (TKR) include transfemoral amputation (TFA) and knee arthrodesis (KA). This systematic review aims to evaluate outcomes following either TFA or KA, comparing ambulatory status, additional subsequent surgery, postoperative infection, pain, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and mortality rate.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted in EMBASE, Ovid Medline, and PubMed. Only primary research studies were included and data were independently extracted using a standardized form. The methodological quality of the studies was evaluated using Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

RESULTS

Forty-four papers were included, comprising 470 TFA and 1034 KA patients. The methodological quality of the studies was moderate. No TFA versus KA randomized controlled trials could be identified. Pooled data totals via subgroup analyses were performed, owing to inconsistent reporting methods in the included studies. Prosthesis use rate by TFA patients was 157/316 = 49.7%. Significant differences included that TFA patients had lower rates of ambulatory capacity than KA patients (139/294 = 45.6% versus 248/287 = 86.4%, p < 0.001), TFA ambulators were less likely to use an ambulatory aid (55/135 = 40.7% versus 167/232 = 72.0%, p < 0.001), and TFA was associated with a greater postoperative infection rate than KA (29/118 = 24.6% versus 129/650 = 17.2%, p = 0.054). There was a similar rate of revision surgery between TFA and KA (37/183 = 20.2% versus 145/780 = 18.6%, p = 0.612). Data on HRQoL for both TFA and KA were limited, contradictory, and heterogeneous.

CONCLUSION

No randomized controlled trials comparing TFA versus KA exist;therefore, current data likely reflects substantial selection bias. The currently available evidence suggests that KA patients are significantly more likely to achieve independent bipedal ambulation than TFA patients. In both treatment cohorts, subsequent infection and revision surgery remain a relatively common occurrence.

Novel, static, permanent spacers to treat chronic knee periprosthetic joint infections

PURPOSE

To discuss a static and permanent spacer in the treatment of chronic periprosthetic knee infection. Methods In this study, patients who were diagonised with chronic periprosthetic knee infection and not appropriate to undergo revision operations were included and were treated with static and permanent spacers. Infection recurrence rate was recorded, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score and Knee Society Score (KSS) were used to record patients' pain and knee function before the operation and at the final follow-up (minimum 24 months).

RESULTS

Fifteen patients were identified for this study. Pain and function were significantly improved at the latest follow-up evaluation. One patient had a recurrent infection and underwent amputation. No patients had signs of residual instability at the final follow-up evaluation, and no breakage or subsidence of the antibiotic spacer were identified at the final radiographic follow-up evaluation.

CONCLUSION

Our study provided evidence that the static and permanent spacer was a reliable salvage procedure to treat periprosthetic knee infection in compromised patients.

Knee Arthrodesis with a Modular Silver-Coated Endoprosthesis for Infected Total Knee Arthroplasty with Extensive Bone Loss: A Retrospective Case-Series Study

INTRODUCTION

Knee arthrodesis is a limb salvage intervention for persistent periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) when revision total knee arthroplasty fails. Conventional arthrodesis techniques are associated with the increased rate of complications, especially in patients with extensive bone loss and extensor tendon deficiency.

METHODS

Eight patients with a modular silver-coated arthrodesis implant after failed exchange arthroplasty for infection, were retrospectively reviewed. All patients had significant bone loss, while 5 displayed extensor tendon deficiency. Survivorship, complications, leg length discrepancy, median Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Oxford Knee score (OKS) were evaluated.

RESULTS

The median follow up was 32 months (range 24-59 months). The survivorship rate of the prosthesis was 86% during the minimum time of follow up of 24 months. In one patient recurrence of the infection was observed and above-knee amputation was performed. The median postoperative leg length discrepancy was 2.07 ± 0.67 cm. Patients were able to ambulate with mild or no pain. The median VAS and OKS was 2.14 ± 0.9 and 34.7 ± 9.3, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of our study demonstrated that knee arthrodesis with a silver coated arthrodesis implant, performed for persistent PJI in patients with significant bone loss and extensor tendon deficit, provided a stable construct, allowed eradication of infection and was associated with good functional outcome.

Uniplanar versus biplanar monolateral external fixator knee arthrodesis after end-stage failed infected total knee arthroplasty: a comparative study

BACKGROUND

External fixator knee arthrodesis is a salvage procedure used primarily in cases of end-stage infected total knee replacement (iTKR). Stable fixation combined with bone-end compression is essential to achieve knee fusion, but providing sufficient stability can be challenging in the presence of severe bone loss. Our hypothesis is that using an external fixation biplanar configuration would bring about a fusion rate superior to that of a monolateral frame.

METHODS

This study compares outcomes of biplanar external fixator knee fusion due to non-revisable iTKR with those of a historical cohort control study with patients managed with a monoplanar configuration. Primary endpoints were fusion rate, time to achieve bone fusion and infection eradication rate. Limb-length discrepancy, pain level, patient satisfaction and health-related quality of life were evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 29 knee fusion cases were included. In the biplanar group, infection was eradicated in 100% of the patients and fusion was achieved in all cases within an average of 5.24 months. In comparison, in the monolateral group, infection was eradicated in 86% of the cases and fusion was achieved in 81% of the patients after a mean of 10.3 months (p < 0.05). In both groups, postoperative pain was mild and patients expressed a high degree of satisfaction once fusion was achieved.

CONCLUSIONS

According to our data, external fixation knee fusion is a useful limb-salvage procedure in end-stage cases of knee PJI. We conclude that a biplanar configuration can halve the time required to achieve solid bone fusion in such a complex scenario.

Treatment of a Recurrent Periprosthetic Joint Infection with an Intramedullary Knee Arthrodesis System with Low-Amount Metallic Silver Coating

We present a case of a recurrent periprosthetic knee infection treated with an intramedullary arthrodesis system coated with low amounts of metallic silver. After a follow-up of 26 months, the patient remained infection free and no silver-related complications were detected. Silver serum concentrations remained below the detection limit of 2 ppb.

Reconsidering Strategies for Managing Chronic Periprosthetic Joint Infection in Total Knee Arthroplasty: Using Decision Analytics to Find the Optimal Strategy Between One-Stage and Two-Stage Total Knee Revision

BACKGROUND

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) following total knee arthroplasty is a growing concern, as the demand for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) expands annually. Although 2-stage revision is considered the gold standard in management, there is substantial morbidity and mortality associated with this strategy. One-stage revision is associated with lower mortality rates and better quality of life, and there has been increased interest in utilizing the 1-stage strategy. However, surgeons are faced with a difficult decision regarding which strategy to use to treat these infections, considering uncertainty with respect to eradication of infection, quality of life, and societal costs with each strategy. The purpose of the current study was to use decision analysis to determine the optimal decision for the management of PJI following TKA.

METHODS

An expected-value decision tree was constructed to estimate the quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) and costs associated with 1-stage and 2-stage revision. Two decision trees were created: Decision Tree 1 was constructed for all pathogens, and Decision Tree 2 was constructed solely for difficult-to-treat infections, including methicillin-resistant infections. Values for parameters in the decision model, such as mortality rate, reinfection rate, and need for additional surgeries, were derived from the literature. Medical costs were derived from Medicare data. Sensitivity analysis determined which parameters in the decision model had the most influence on the optimal strategy.

RESULTS

In both decision trees, the 1-stage strategy produced greater health utility while also being more cost-effective. In the Monte Carlo simulation for Decision Trees 1 and 2, 1-stage was the dominant strategy in about 85% and 69% of the trials, respectively. Sensitivity analysis showed that the reinfection and 1-year mortality rates were the most sensitive parameters influencing the optimal decision.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite 2-stage revision being considered the current gold standard for infection eradication in patients with PJI following TKA, the optimal decision that produced the highest quality of life was 1-stage revision. These results should be considered in shared decision-making with patients who experience PJI following TKA.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Economic and Decision Analysis Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Re-infection rates and clinical outcomes following arthrodesis with intramedullary nail and external fixator for infected knee prosthesis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Knee arthrodesis with intramedullary (IM) nail or external fixator (EF) is the most reliable therapeutic option to achieve definitive infection control in patients with septic failure of total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The first aim of this study was to compare re-infection rates following knee arthrodesis for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) with IM nail or EF. The second aim was to compare rates of radiographic union, complication, and re-operation as well as clinical outcomes.

Methods

A systematic search was performed in electronic databases for longitudinal studies of PJIs (minimum ten patients; minimum follow-up = 1 year) treated by knee arthrodesis with IM nail or EF. Studies were also required to report the rate of re-infection as an outcome measure. Eligible studies were meta-analyzed using random-effect models.

Results

The rate (95% confidence intervals) of re-infection was 10.6% (95% CI 7.3 to 14.0) in IM nail arthrodesis studies. The corresponding re-infection rate for EF was 5.4% (95% CI 1.7 to 9.1). This difference was significant (p = 0.009). The use of IM nail resulted in more advantages than EF for frequency of major complications and limb shortening. Other postoperative clinical and radiographic outcomes were similar for both surgical strategies.

Conclusions

The available evidence from the aggregate published data suggests that knee arthrodesis with EF in the specific context of PJI has a reduced risk of re-infection in comparison with the IM nail strategy. The use of IM nail is more effective for the complication rate and shortening of the affected limb.

Can a Silver-Coated Arthrodesis Implant Provide a Viable Alternative to Above Knee Amputation in the Unsalvageable, Infected Total Knee Arthroplasty?

BACKGROUND

In the unsalvageable, infected total knee arthroplasty, knee arthrodesis is one treatment option with lower reported reinfection rates compared with repeated 2-stage revision and improved function compared with amputation. One possible method for reducing incidence of recurrent infection treated by arthrodesis is the use of a silver-coated implant. We report our experience of silver-coated arthrodesis nails used for managing infected revision arthroplasty. We primarily assess the rate of reinfection and rate of amputation and report functional outcome measures.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of all patients undergoing knee arthrodesis with a silver-coated arthrodesis nail between 2008 and 2014. Patient-reported data were recorded prearthrodesis and postarthrodesis (Oxford Knee Score and Short Form-36) as well as evidence of recurrent of infection, subsequent surgery, and the necessity for amputation.

RESULTS

Eight patients underwent arthrodesis using the silver-coated arthrodesis nail. Mean duration of follow-up was 16 months (5-35 months). At the point of follow-up, there were no amputations, deaths, or implant revisions. One case of recurrent infection was successfully treated with washout and debridement. The mean prearthrodesis and postarthrodesis Oxford Knee Score difference was +8.9 points (P = .086) with significantly improved pain (P = .019), night pain (P = .021), and ease of standing (P = .003).

CONCLUSION

Arthrodesis of the knee using a silver-coated intramedullary device is successful in eradicating infection and allowing limb conservation. Where infection does recur, this can be successfully treated with implant retention. The use of a silver-coated arthrodesis nail should be considered as an alternative to amputation for patients with a multiply revised and infected total knee arthroplasty.

Knee arthrodesis with a long intramedullary nail as limb salvage for complex periprosthetic infections

BACKGROUND

Periprosthetic infection following total knee arthroplasty is a devastating complication, which is not always satisfactorily resolved by revision surgery. Arthrodesis is a salvage alternative to above-knee amputation or permanent resection arthroplasty. Fixation options include internal compression plating, external fixation, and intramedullary nails.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed twelve consecutive cases (9 males, 3 females; mean age, 67 years) of knee arthrodesis with a long intramedullary nail, performed at a single institution between 2003 and 2014. Desired outcomes were the ability to mobilize without pain, solid radiographic fusion, and the eradication of infection.

RESULTS

Mean follow-up was 48.5 months (range, 9-120 months). Eleven patients (92 %) demonstrated stable fusion, ten patients (83 %) were ambulatory without pain, and ten patients (83 %) remained without infection at most recent follow-up. Eight patients (67 %) achieved union at an average of 12 months; three required repeat procedures, achieving union at an average of 9 months. There was a significant difference (P < 0.01) between the numbers of previous operations amongst the eight patients who initially achieved union (mean, 3.25) and three who subsequently required repeat procedures (mean, 8.33).

CONCLUSIONS

In contrast to similar studies, we performed a single-stage exchange where possible, while comparable ambulatory and fusion rates were observed. Numerous previous attempts at revision arthroplasty, co-morbidities, and infections with highly resistant organisms have been associated with further complications. Although technically challenging, knee arthrodesis with a long intramedullary nail offers an acceptable limb salvage procedure for carefully selected patients with complex periprosthetic infections.