Surgical complications and their treatment options in total knee replacement

INTRODUCTION: One of the most important achievements of modern orthopedics is the treatment of degenerative disorders of the knee joint with endoprostheses. The most often used type of knee prosthesis implanted in our times is the total condylar one. With increasing numbers of prosthesis operations the number of complications is also increasing. AIM: Knowledge of diagnostic and treatment principles of complications is important for all institutions applying knee prostheses. The aim of present study is to report the authors' experience with the most important surgical problems following knee arthroplasty. PATIENTS/METHODS: At the Department of Orthopedics of the University of Pecs between 1993 and 1999 344 primary total condylar prostheses were implanted. Based on their own cases, the authors show the most important surgical problems after total knee arthroplasty. RESULTS: In their patient sample they observed infections, patellofemoral complaints and supracondylar femoral fractures being the commonest complications. Besides these problems they faced with some rare ones, like instability of the artificial joint and temporary peroneal palsy. Probably because of the relatively short follow up period, the authors had to perform only one revision procedure due to aseptic mechanical problems. The incidence of the most common complications in the authors' patient material is described as well as the principles and results of the applied treatment methods. Own experiences are compared with data from the literature. CONCLUSIONS: Although knee arthroplasty complications can be variable and followed by serious consequences, even the most significant ones can be managed with methods which provide the option of healing and restoration of knee functions.