Reemplazo total de rodilla en pacientes con anquilosis. Reporte de tres casos y revisión bibliográfica

Introduction: Performing a Total Knee Replacement (TKR) in patients with ankylosed knees is technically demanding and associated with considerable complications. The purpose of this study is to report three cases of patients with ankylosed knees treated with TKR and present an updated literature review. Materials and Methods: We evaluated etiologies, preoperative range of motion, surgical technique, and type of implant utilized in each case. Complications and postoperative range of motion were also analyzed. Radiographs were used to evaluate loosening or osteolysis. Lastly, we performed an updated literature review. Results: The etiologies were juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in two cases and chronic osteomyelitis in one. The patients did not have a range of motion at all and the ability to perform daily life activities was severely affected. A medial parapatellar approach was used in all cases followed by an extensive soft tissue release. A primary posterior-stabilized design was used in two cases and a rotatinghinge design in one case. The mean postoperative range of motion was 90° and all three patients reported a high satisfaction rate. No complications were reported. Conclusions: TKR in patients with ankylosed knees has substantially improved the clinical outcome and the arc of motion. Due to its complexity, it must be approached as revision surgery, with careful preoperative planning.