Journal de traumatisme et de traitement

Knee Arthrodesis in Severe Injured Knee Joints

Abstract

Lukas Zak, Thomas M Tiefenboeck and Gerald E Wozasek

In this report we present our experiences with knee arthrodesis nails as a secondary salvage procedure after severe knee injuries at a level-one trauma centre. Exemplary two cases of subtotal amputation are discussed. Both cases, of totally destroyed knee joints, were treated with a unilateral external fixator, shortening and secondary bifocal distraction osteogenesis. In one case nailing after lengthening (NAL) was performed and in the second case nailing had to be performed as fracture treatment 20 years after bony consolidation at the docking site.