Knee arthrodesis with the Sheffield external ring fixator: Fusion in 6 of 10 consecutive patients

Abstract

Background Knee arthrodesis with external fixation (XF) is a possible salvage procedure for infected total knee arthroplasties (TKA). We report the outcome in 10 patients who underwent arthrodesis with the Sheffield Ring Fixator.

Patients and methods The patients had primary arthrosis in 8 cases; 2 cases were due to rheumatoid arthritis and sclerodermia. The mean time between the primary TKA and arthrodesis was 6 (0.5–14) years. The average age at arthrodesis was 69 years. The average follow-up period was 10 months.

Results Stable fusion was obtained in 6 patients after a mean XF time of 3.6 (2–4) months. 1 patient was referred to another hospital because of nonunion. This patient showed fusion with intramedullary nailing after 7 months. 3 nonunion patients required permanent bracing. 7 patients had pin tract infections. Infections healed in all patients.

Interpretation The Sheffield Ring Fixator gives an acceptable fusion rate for arthrodesis in the infected TKA, with limited complications.