Desarthrodesis and prosthetic reconstruction of the knee after resection of bone tumors.

Background and Objectives: The aim of the present study was to review the long-term results in patients who had undergone modular prosthetic reconstruction of the knee, following a failed arthrodesis performed after the resection of bone tumors. Methods We reviewed 16 desarthrodeses and prosthetic reconstructions of the knee following a failed artificial arthrodesis after bone tumor resection. Desarthrodeses and subsequent knee megaprosthesis were performed after breakage of the arthrodesis implant in 11 cases and following presumed eradication of infection in five cases. Results The mean follow-up was 15.9 years. The mean post-operative range of knee flexion was 70°, but only four patients had active extension of the knee. Functional results, according to the MSTS system, were satisfactory in 11 patients. Complications included deep infections in five patients, aseptic loosening in three patients, breakage of the joint hinge in one patient, and patellar tendon avulsion in one patient. Despite a high rate of complications, all but two patients were satisfied. Conclusion Our findings indicate that conversion of oncological knee arthrodesis to total knee arthroplasty should be taken into consideration only after giving the patient extensive information about the high risk of serious complications.