Experiences in total knee arthtroplasty after distal femoral varus osteotomy

Bianca Röschke, Wolfgang Hönle, Alexander Schuh

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DOI: 10.4236/health.2010.211194                

Abstract

Introduction: There is only little information available about total knee arthroplasty (TKA) following distal femoral varus osteotomy (DFVO). The aim of our study was to show our experiences and mid-term results of TKA after a previous DFVO. Material and method: In a retrospective study we identified 36 consecutive patients who had undergone TKA after a previous distal femoral varus osteotomy. The average duration of follow-up after the TKA was 8.2 years (min: 5.0, max: 9.2). X-rays were taken in 2 planes before TKA, 1 week after TKA and at latest follow-up. Tibiofemoral alignment was measured on weightbearing long-leg anteroposterior radiographs. Ra- diolucent lines at latest follow-up were documented. Functional evaluations were performed preoperatively and postoperatively (at the time of latest follow-up). Results: The mean Knee Society knee score in- creased from 42 points before the arthroplasty to 91.3 points after the arthroplasty. The mean Knee Society function score increased from 27.4 points preoperatively to 93.2 points postoperatively. The mean overall Knee Society score increased from 91.3 points preoperatively to 163.4 points postoperatively. The mean radiographic alignment was 4.5? of valgus (10? of varus to 19? of valgus) before TKA and 3.1? of valgus (range, 3? of varus to 6? of valgus) at the time of latest follow-up. Postoperative complications included one deep vein thrombosis with non-lethal pulmonary embolism, one wound infection requiring revision and one septic loosening. Discussion: It is possible to perform TKA following DFVO with good mid-term results. In comparison to the literature there is no higher risk of complications in TKA following DFVO in comparison to primary TKA.

Keywords

Total Knee Arthroplasty; Distal Femoral Varus Osteotomy; Result; Complication; Knee Society Score

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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