Wichita fusion nail for patients with failed total knee arthroplasty and active infection

Am J Orthop (Belle Mead NJ). 2008 Jan;37(1):E6-E10.

Abstract

In the study reported here, we retrospectively evaluated short-term results of knee arthrodesis using the Wichita fusion nail (WFN) in patients with active infection. Clinical examinations, x-rays, time to union, knee pain after fusion, and ambulatory status were compared in 7 patients who received the WFN. Mean fusion rate was 86%, mean time to fusion was 9.8 months, and mean complication rate was 57%. Complication rates were high, but clinical outcomes were acceptable, supporting use of WFN as a reasonable way to salvage failed total knee arthroplasty in patients with active infection.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Arthrodesis / instrumentation*
  • Arthrodesis / methods
  • Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee*
  • Bone Nails*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Internal Fixators
  • Knee Joint / surgery*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Osseointegration
  • Prosthesis-Related Infections / drug therapy
  • Prosthesis-Related Infections / surgery*
  • Recovery of Function
  • Reoperation
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Surgical Flaps
  • Surgical Wound Infection / drug therapy
  • Surgical Wound Infection / surgery*
  • Treatment Outcome