Skin necrosis after total knee arthroplasty.

Nine patients were treated for skin necrosis after total knee arthroplasty. Eight patients had predisposing factors, which may have increased their risk of developing wound complications. Seven patients developed necrosis over the patellar tendon or tibial tubercle, of whom 6 were treated with muscle flap coverage. Two patients developed necrosis over the patella, both of whom were treated with local wound care and skin grafting. Successful wound healing and salvage of the total knee arthroplasty was achieved in all cases. Treatment of necrosis over the patellar tendon or tibial tubercle usually requires muscle flap coverage, whereas necrosis over the patella may be treated with local wound care and skin grafting. Copyright 2002, Elsevier Science (USA).