Above knee amputation following periprosthetic joint infection after total knee arthroplasty: a fatal outcome

Primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a successful and cost-effective procedure for which demand is increasing annually. Outcomes are generally good with satisfaction rates of 70%, so the procedure is commonly used in osteoarthritis management to improve mobility and alleviate pain. Above knee amputation (AKA) is a devastating complication of TKA. AKA is associated with high mortality, phantom pain, and non-ambulatory disability. In the US, the incidence of AKAs due to periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is rising drastically, with the proportion of AKAs performed due to PJI having almost quadrupled from 1998 to 2013. We present the case of a patient who developed severe uncontrolled infection following routine TKA, resulting in an above-knee amputation and ultimately death. Due to the extremity of the outcome and the rising incidence of the complication involved, this is an important case to discuss.