Knee arthrodesis with monolateral external fixator for the treatment of infected knee arthroplasty

Abstract

Knee arthrodesis is a well-accepted salvage procedure for failed arthroplasty, especially with an infection setting. It can be performed with external fixators, intramedullary nails, or plates. External fixators have various advantages over internal fixation techniques, such as better control of infection, ability to add compression whenever needed, and less soft tissue dissection. A one-stage approach brings high recurrence rate of infection. For this reason, we prefer a 2-stage approach, comprising the removal of implants, debridement, and antibiotic spacer implantation, following removal of the spacer and compression to achieve arthrodesis. Indications, advantages, external fixation technique, and postoperative care are discussed in this chapter. © Springer Berlin Heidelberg 2015. All rights are reserved.