Revision total knee arthroplasty for septic versus aseptic failure

Purpose. To compare the medium-term outcome of revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for septic versus aseptic failure. Methods. Records of 142 patients who underwent revision TKA by a single senior surgeon for septic (n=65) or aseptic (n=77) failure were reviewed. In the septic group, 67 knees in 42 women and 23 men were included. In the aseptic group, 88 knees in 51 women and 26 men were included. The Knee Society Score was measured. The Kaplan Meier survival curve at months 36, 60, and 95 was plotted, with revision as the end point. The survival rates at each specific time point between the 2 groups were compared using the Z test. Results. The Knee Society Scores improved 18% from 51 to 69 in the septic group and 18% from 52 to 70 in the aseptic group (p=0.72). The range of motion improved 30% from 72 degrees to 102 degrees in the septic group and 39% from 62 degrees to 100 degrees in the aseptic group (p<0.001). Conclusion. Results of the 2 groups were similar in terms of the Knee Society Score, range of motion, and the Kaplan-Meier survivorship.