Knee arthrodesis following infected fractures around the knee joint: Case report and literature review

Abstract

Introduction: Infected fractures around the knee joint may result in chronic osteomyelitis and joint destruction. Knee arthrodesis serves as definitive limb-salvage procedure when reconstruction is no longer viable. Materials and Methods: We present a case of knee arthrodesis for a complex knee fracture complicated by persistent infection refractory to antibiotics therapy and surgical debridement. Results: The fracture was initially treated with internal fixation and soft tissue coverage procedures. However, this was complicated by recurrent infection and bone loss necessitating a limb salvage procedure. Knee arthrodesis with a Ilizarov ring fixator followed by long internal fusion nail was performed. The patient achieved infection-free and stable bony union. A thorough review of the literature yield 10 similar studies showing good functional outcomes with knee arthrodesis. Conclusion: The management of chronically infected fractures around knee joint is challenging. We illustrated a case example of the successful use of knee arthrodesis to achieve bony fusion and infection control with good functional outcomes. Balancing the risk of complications, knee arthrodesis should be discussed as a limb salvage option for complex infected knee fractures.