Utility of tibial tubercle osteotomy in the setting of periprosthetic infection after total knee arthroplasty.

PURPOSE: This study reports radiographic and clinical treatment outcomes of tibial tubercle osteotomy (TTO) used for two-stage revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in the setting of periprosthetic infection.

METHODS

Thirty-six patients with 51 TTOs used for infected TKA were retrospectively analysed from 2000 to 2010. In 15 of 36 patients, TTO was used in a sequential manner during both first and second stage procedures. The mean follow-up period was 57 months (range seven-126 months).

RESULTS

The mean pre-operative range of knee motion was 40° (range 10-90°), and at latest follow-up it was 92° (range 50-140°). The Knee Society knee scores and function scores were 47 and 9 pre-operatively and 82 and 72 at latest follow-up, respectively. Bony union was achieved in all cases except one nonunion of an avulsion fragment of the osteotomy segment without functional deterioration.

CONCLUSIONS

TTO can be a useful extensile surgical approach for treatment of infected TKA with satisfactory clinical and radiographic outcomes.