Persistent infection after successful arthrodesis for infected total knee arthroplasty. A report of two cases.

Abstract

Infection in total knee arthroplasty has been reported to range from 1.1% to 12.4%. The literature contains numerous articles on salvage procedures including antibiotic suppression, surgical debridement, resection arthroplasty, arthrodesis, reimplantation, and amputation. Of those knees not reimplantable, a successful arthrodesis is felt by many to give the most predictable long-term results. The majority of literature on arthrodesis for infected total knee arthroplasty concentrates on technical factors and techniques to facilitate fusion. A successful fusion is considered an end point of treatment.