Resection arthroplasty combined with a muscle graft to treat refractory post-total knee arthroplasty infections.

Abstract

For refractory post-total knee arthroplasty infections, resection arthroplasty combined with muscle grafting has been conducted to control the infection while preserving the infected limb. Resection arthroplasty was conducted on 9 patients (10 knees) with post-total knee arthroplasty refractory infection. All infections were brought under control. Seven patients were pain free, and mild pain persisted in 2 after walking and during locomotion. The average range of knee motion was 67 degrees. The mean discrepancy in leg length was 5.2 cm. There was no recurrence of infection in any patient. The function of each knee was accepted. Resection arthroplasty combined with muscle transfer is an effective method if the individuals desire to preserve the affected limbs for religious or cosmetic reasons and wish to regain the ability to move their knees.