J Korean Orthop Assoc.  2001 Dec;36(6):561-567.

Treatment of Infected TKRA

• Cho WS
• Jeong YG
• Park JH
• Shin HK
• Kim KY
• Seon MW

Abstract

PURPOSE
To investigate the causes and to determine the most useful test for the early diagnosis of infected TKRA, and to present the treatment modality and its possible complications.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We reviewed 17 cases, with follow up, among the 18 infected TKRA cases registered from March 1992 to June 2000. Diagnosis of deep infection after TKRA was made by assessing clinical symptoms, laboratory and radiological findings, nuclear scan studies and aspirate culture results. Data were analyzed clinically by HSS score, recurrence of infection and postoperative complications.
RESULTS
The overall incidence of deep infection after TKRA was 1.4%. In fourteen of the 17 cases TKRA was revised. In 13 cases, excluding 1 case of infection recurrence after 2-stage TKRA revision, the mean ROM increased from 55o to 86o and the mean HSS score increased from 53 points to 84. Knee fusion was performed in 4 cases, including one case of infection recurrence after 2-stage TKRA revision.
CONCLUSION
The most reliable clinical results were achieved after a 2-stage TKRA revision. Knee joint fusion should be considered when the general condition is poor, with an initial diagnosis of infection, and in the presence of skin problems.

Keyword

Knee joint; Infection; TKRA

MeSH Terms

Diagnosis
Early Diagnosis
Follow-Up Studies
Incidence
Knee
Knee Joint
Postoperative Complications
Recurrence
Skin