Extensor mechanism injury, infection, and an extended time between trauma and surgical approach are related to the need for total knee arthroplasty removal after traumatic dehiscence.

BACKGROUND

Surgical wound-related traumatic complications are rarely reported in the literature. Traumatic dehiscence is unpredictable because of the trauma magnitude and the potential of associated injuries. This study aims to report the clinical outcomes and complications of a case series due to traumatic dehiscence after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and establish possible criteria for prognosis for maintaining the implant.

METHODS

Patients admitted to an emergency room due to traumatic dehiscence after TKA were retrospectively evaluated. Patient data was analyzed and patients who maintained or not the arthroplasty were compared to establish prognosis factors.

RESULTS

Thirty-two patients with traumatic dehiscence after TKA were evaluated. The trauma occurred on a mean of 14.3 +/- 25.0 days after the surgical procedure, and debridement in the operating room was performed on a mean of 6.2 +/- 4.9 hours after the trauma. Twenty patients maintained the arthroplasty until the end of follow-up and did not require revision. Factors related to arthroplasty removal were associated extensor mechanism injury (p = 0.026), time from trauma to surgical debridement (p = 0.035), and infection (p = 0.0001)

CONCLUSION

Traumatic dehiscence after total knee arthroplasty is an event with a high rate of complications. Extensor mechanism Injury, infection, and extended time between trauma and surgical intervention were poor prognostic factors for arthroplasty maintenance.