Knee Arthrodesis Using an Intramedullary Nail

Overview

Journal J Arthroplasty

Specialty Orthopedics

Date 2005 Sep 6

PMID 16139705

Citations 10

Authors

John R Crockarell Jr

Marc J Mihalko

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Fifteen knee arthrodeses using an intramedullary nail were performed in 15 patients. Indications included 11 failed total knee arthroplasties (10 of 11 septic). A retrospective review revealed 100% fusion rate. Complications included 4 cases of painful hardware, 1 trochanteric bursitis, and 1 deep infection. Ten patients were available for assessment at 7 years follow-up. Average leg length discrepancy was 3.7 cm. Anatomic axis averaged 1.3 degrees valgus. Flexion angle averaged 3.5 degrees . Compared with age-matched controls, our patients fared significantly worse in physical functioning, physical role, bodily pain, vitality, and social functioning. Arthrodesis of the knee with an intramedullary nail provides a reliable means of fusion with reasonable alignment. These patients have high rates of pain and diminished functional status.

Citing Articles

Knee arthrodesis with intramedullary nail in end-stage periprosthetic joint infection with extensor mechanism failure: a retrospective outcome and reinfection rate analysis of a case series.

Benvenuti L, Digennaro V, Panciera A, Ferri R, Cecchin D, Faldini C Musculoskelet Surg. 2025; .

PMID: 40072780 DOI: 10.1007/s12306-025-00896-8.

Knee Arthrodesis With an Intramedullary Antegrade Rod as a Salvage Procedure for the Chronically Infected Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Brown N, Balkissoon R, Saltzman B, Haughom B, Li J, Levine B J Am Acad Orthop Surg Glob Res Rev. 2021; 4(9):e20.00082-6.

PMID: 33939396 PMC: 7494141. DOI: 10.5435/JAAOSGlobal-D-20-00082.

Two-Stage Arthrodesis after an Infected Total Knee Replacement Using a Coupled Nail and Dual-Plate Construct: A Third-World Solution and Review of Options.

Mencia M, Goalan R, Bua A Case Rep Orthop. 2020; 2020:1762369.

PMID: 32095302 PMC: 7035541. DOI: 10.1155/2020/1762369.

Traumatic periimplant fracture after nail arthrodesis of the knee in a limb reconstruction case.

Zak L, Tiefenboeck T, Wozasek G Trauma Case Rep. 2019; 20:100173.

PMID: 30788406 PMC: 6369247. DOI: 10.1016/j.tcr.2019.100173.

Re-infection rates and clinical outcomes following arthrodesis with intramedullary nail and external fixator for infected knee prosthesis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Balato G, Rizzo M, Ascione T, Smeraglia F, Mariconda M BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2018; 19(1):361.

PMID: 30301462 PMC: 6178263. DOI: 10.1186/s12891-018-2283-4.