PRIMARY ARTHRODESIS OF THE INJURED KNEE - STILL A SOLUTION IN 1995 - A CASE-REPORT

After major trauma of the knee joint, conservation and reconstruction of the different bony, ligamentary and soft tissue structures is usual ly attempted. The end results of these reconstructive procedures are n ot always gratifying, and in many cases significant instability remain s, combined with severe restriction in motion, pain or infectious prob lems, leading to severe functional impairment. Many patients need seco ndary corrective procedures, such as arthrodesis. We present a case of an unusual injury to the knee with massive destruction, loss, and con tamination of bony, ligamentary, and soft tissue structures. Because a ttempts at reconstruction would have led to the above-mentioned proble ms, including possible life-threatening septic complications necessita ting amputation, a primary arthrodesis was performed, followed by simp le reconstruction of the soft tissue envelope. Two years after the acc ident, the patient is doing very well. To our knowledge, no such cases have previously been described. We therefore want to communicate our experience with this procedure, which led to an early, pain free, and good functional recovery.