Long-term outcome of total knee arthroplasty in Charcot joint: a 10- to 22-year follow-up.

The results of 11 total knee arthroplasties in 9 patients with a Charcot joint secondary to neurosyphilis were reviewed. The mean age was 60.1 years, and follow-up averaged 12.3 years. Endomodel rotating hinge prostheses (Waldemar Link GMBH and Co, Hamburg, Germany) were implanted in all knees. The mean knee score increased from 44.9 before surgery to 95.0 at the final follow-up, and the mean function score increased from 45.0 before surgery to 93.6 at the final follow-up. Complications were noted in 3 knees, including 2 dislocations of the knee and 1 deep infection. The clinical results of total knee arthroplasty were satisfactory in most cases of Charcot joint. Rotating hinge prostheses are strongly recommended for use in Charcot joint. However, the procedure is technically demanding, and there were considerable complications.