Arthrodesis of the Knee Using Computer Navigation in Failed Total Knee Arthroplasty

Description: Arthrodesis is used most commonly as a salvage procedure for failed total knee arthroplasty (TKA). For successful arthrodesis, a stable fusion technique and acceptable limb mechanical alignment are needed. Although the use of TKA intramedullary alignment rods may be helpful in terms of achieving an acceptable limb mechanical axis, fat embolism and intramedullary dissemination of an infection or reactivation of latent infection may occur in failed TKA cases with an active infection or a past history of infections. In this situation, computer-assisted surgery allows precise cuts to be made in the frontal and sagittal planes without breaching medullary cavities.
Arthrodesis of the Knee Using Computer Navigation in Failed Total Knee Arthroplasty By Kwang Am Jung, MD; Su Chan Lee, MD; Moon Bok Song, MD ORTHOPEDICS 2009; 32:209 full text