Our medium-term functional and radiological outcomes in revision total knee arthroplasty

Abstract

To investigate the medium-term outcomes of the patients who underwent revision total knee arthroplasty, and to come to a conclusion regarding the efficacy of the method by comparing these with literature data. 34 knees of 33 patients who underwent revision knee arthroplasty operation between January 2008 and January 2012 and were sufficiently followed-up were included into this study. Single-stage revision knee arthroplasty was performed for 25 knees for aseptic reasons, and two-stage revision knee arthroplasty was performed for 9 knees for septic reasons. For all patients, alpha, beta, gamma, sigma and total valgus angles were measured in pre- and post-operative anteroposterior (AP) X-rays and lateral X-rays based on American Knee Society radiological assessment form. For all patients, pre- and post-operative American Knee Society knee score and functional score was assessed. As laboratory work-up, all patients’ pre- and post-operative erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, white blood cells values were compared. The patients’ mean knee score and functional score was detected to be 34.7 (4-57) and 33.5 (5-55), respectively, and to be 78.2 (62- 90) and 73.8 (50-90) after revision. In pre-operative assessments performed based on Knee Society radiographic assessment form, mean alpha angle was found to be 95.3 (77-103), mean beta angle to be 84.8 (71-100), mean gamma angle to be 5.8 (0 - 30), mean sigma angle to be 83.3 (49-97), and mean total valgus angle to be 0.1 (-13 - 12). In post-operative assessments, mean alpha angle was found to be 94.7 (90-99), mean beta angle to be 88.4 (84-92), mean gamma angle to be 3.7 (0 - 10), mean sigma angle to be 88.1 (85- 92), and mean total valgus angle to be 3.1 (-1 - 8). We think that when revision knee arthroplasty operation is performed for proper indication and according to the surgical technique, it is a highly effective and preferable method in decreasing the pain severity and improving the life quality of the patients.