Management of Stiff Knee with TKR - A case report

Background : Ankylosis of the knee is a severe incapacity that causes significant functional limitation, especially when associated with pain. TKR could be performed for low demand patients with lower extremity mal alignment and pain who have a functional extensor mechanism and are willing to accept the possibility of failure, revision, and possible arthrodesis. Materials and methods A 29 years old housewife presented with pain and stiffness of left knee with ho arthrotomy for septic arthritis 15 years back. She was informed the possibilities of arthrodesis or Total knee arthroplasty with the risk of short durability and the need for arthrodesis in the event of arthroplasty failure. Pre-op evaluation was carried out and current infection ruled out. Toal knee arthroplasty done using Q snip technique. Results : The patient regained good functional ROM and Knee society score improved from 53 pre-op to 85 post-op. Pain score using VAS improved from 9 pre-op to 2 post-op. Conclusion There is no doubt that arthroplasty of ankylosed knees is a risky procedure, and this limitation must be clearly laid out for potential patients. Nevertheless, the possibility of gains in movement and significant reductions in pain may compensate for the risks.