Total knee arthroplasty treatment of active tuberculosis of the knee: a review of 10 cases

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the surgical methods of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in the patients with active tuberculosis of the knee and find out its curative effect after TKA. PATIENTS ANDMETHODS: We analyzed 10 patients with active tuberculosis of the knee who received TKA in our department from March 2006 to March 2010, whose ages were from 22 to 64 years old (average age was 40.6 +/- 1 years). The following parameters were measured in the pre- and post-operation periods: HSS score, range of motion (ROM). From x-ray to find out post-operate curative effect of TKA. RESULTS: All cases had pain and elevated ESR. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and nerve damage were not found in these cases. There were 4 cases that had sinuses on the skin: the skin healed before the operation took place. Pre-operation HSS average scores were 25.0 +/- 2. All patients received TKA by the para-patellar medial approach. Eight cases were followed-up for 6-28 months; the average follow-up period was 14 +/- 0.5 months. Post-operation we took an HSS score and X-rays to find out its curative effect after TKA operation. There were also no patients with dislocation aseptic loosening or fracture of prosthesis, although 1 case had recurrence. Post-operation's HSS average scores were 86.75 +/- 5.45. The average ROM was improved to 95 +/- 5 degrees. CONCLUSIONS: Recent clinical results indicate that TKA is effective to treat the patients with active tuberculosis of the knee joint. TKA can significantly improve the function of the joint and relieve pain, improving patients' living conditions.