Functional Outcome of Knee Arthrodesis with an External Fixator

Dr. Aakash Bansal, Dr. R P Meena, Dr. Umesh Kumar Meena, Dr. Rohit Kharalwa, Dr. Shreyas B L

Abstract: Background: Knee arthrodesis was initially developed as a treatment for serious joint infections, like tuberculosis, prior to the introduction of antibiotics and modern joint replacement options. The main goal is to relieve pain and eradicate infection by achieving a stable, fused knee joint. It continues to be a vital option for patients in whom total knee arthroplasty is not suitable?particularly those with persistent infections, extensive bone loss, or failed knee replacements. Numerous studies have reported successful outcomes using external fixators for knee fusion, largely because infection remains the most common reason for performing this procedure. In our study, we focused on knee arthrodesis using external fixators, which are cost - effective and relatively simple to apply. Methodology: A retrospective study was carried out over a period of 18 months, involving 30 patients. The study included individuals who had knee joint infections (either septic or tuberculous), unsuccessful total knee arthroplasty, failed fracture fixation near the knee, or neuropathic knee joints. Patient assessment was performed using both the preoperative and postoperative Knee Society Score, along with the Knee Society Functional Score. Results: In this study, 80% of the participants were male. The most frequent indications for knee arthrodesis were septic arthritis and tuberculosis. Over 70% of the patients had undergone previous surgical procedures on the same knee. The duration for which the external fixator was applied varied from 32 to 39 weeks (approximately 7.5 to 9.1 months), with an average duration of 35.73 weeks (8.34 months). The final follow - up period ranged between 9.5 and 18 months, averaging 14.1 months. Preoperatively, the Knee Society Score ranged from 5 to 22, with an average of 16.2, while postoperative scores improved significantly, ranging from 50 to 56, with an average of 54. The functional score before surgery ranged from 40 to 50 (average 43.60), which increased postoperatively to a range of 80 to 100, with an average of 89.66. Conclusions: Fusion using an external fixator is a straightforward, cost - effective technique that offers a relatively comfortable experience for patients. This method is associated with fewer complications and demonstrates a high success rate in achieving joint fusion.

Keywords: Knee arthrodesis, External fixator, Tuberculous arthritis, Post- septic sequelae, Post traumatic sequelae

How to Cite?: Dr. Aakash Bansal, Dr. R P Meena, Dr. Umesh Kumar Meena, Dr. Rohit Kharalwa, Dr. Shreyas B L, "Functional Outcome of Knee Arthrodesis with an External Fixator", Volume 14 Issue 6, June 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 5-12, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR25525200959, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR25525200959