Total Knee Arthroplasty in Charcot's Knees

Summary. We describe here the treatment of three cases of Charcot's knee (caused by tabes dorsalis) with total knee arthroplasty. At the time of surgery, the average age of the patients was 72.6 years (range, 69-77 years). The average follow-up interval was 6.3 years (range, 9 months-12 years). Five total knee arthroplasties in three cases were performed. Three of these joints were followed for more than 6 years. The results were good knee joint function, with no evidence of instability or pain over 6 years. At the time of follow-up, however, all these patients required the use of a wheelchair because of either neglected supracondylar periprosthetic fracture, severely migrated ipsilat­ eral hip hemiarthroplasty, or ataxia and subsequent joint instability. Knee replacement appears to be a feasible treatment for Charcot's knee if strict patient selection is carried out.