BACKGROUND: Total knee arthroplasty is a successful operation for treatment of arthritis. However, devastating wound complications and infections can compromise the knee joint, particularly in revision situations. METHODS: Soft tissue loss associated with poor wound healing and multiple operations can necessitate the need for reconstruction for wound closure and protection of the prosthesis. RESULTS: Coverage options range from simple closure methods to complex reconstruction, including delayed primary closure, healing by secondary intention, vacuum-assisted closure, skin grafting, local flap coverage, and distant microsurgical tissue transfer. CONCLUSION: Understanding the advantages and pitfalls of each reconstructive option helps to guide treatment and avoid repeated operations and potentially devastating consequences such as knee arthrodesis or amputation.
BACKGROUND: Total knee arthroplasty is a successful operation for treatment of arthritis. However, devastating wound complications and infections can compromise the knee joint, particularly in revision situations. METHODS: Soft tissue loss associated with poor wound healing and multiple operations can necessitate the need for reconstruction for wound closure and protection of the prosthesis. RESULTS: Coverage options range from simple closure methods to complex reconstruction, including delayed primary closure, healing by secondary intention, vacuum-assisted closure, skin grafting, local flap coverage, and distant microsurgical tissue transfer. CONCLUSION: Understanding the advantages and pitfalls of each reconstructive option helps to guide treatment and avoid repeated operations and potentially devastating consequences such as knee arthrodesis or amputation.
Authors: Akhil A Chandra; Filippo Romanelli; Alex Tang; Luke Menken; Maximilian Zhang; Adam Feintisch; Frank A Liporace; Richard S Yoon Journal: Knee Surg Relat Res Date: 2022-03-26
Authors: Brianna Fram; Eric B Smith; Gregory K Deirmengian; John A Abraham; John Strony; Michael B Cross; Danielle Y Ponzio Journal: Arthroplast Today Date: 2020-01-28