Published in:
Open Access
01-04-2016 | Original Article
Functional outcome of knee arthrodesis with a monorail external fixator
Authors:
Alfred Cyril Roy, Sandeep Albert, Mohamad Gouse, Dan Barnabas Inja
Published in:
Strategies in Trauma and Limb Reconstruction
|
Issue 1/2016
Login to get access
Abstract
Several methods for obtaining knee arthrodesis have been described in the literature and world; over, the commonest cause for arthrodesis is a failed arthroplasty. Less commonly, as in this series, post-infective or traumatic causes may also require a knee fusion wherein arthroplasty may not be indicated. We present salient advantages along with the radiological and functional outcome of twenty four patients treated with a single monorail external fixator. All patients went on develop fusion at an average of 5.4 months with an average limb length discrepancy of 3 cm (1.5–6 cm). Improvements in functional outcome as assessed by the lower extremity functional score (LEFS), and the SF-36 was significant (p = 0.000). Knee arthrodesis with a single monorail external fixator is a reasonable single-staged salvage option in patients wherein arthroplasty may not be the ideal choice. The outcome, though far from ideal, is definitely positive and predictable.