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- Title
Angiographic findings in patients with postoperative soft tissue defects following total knee arthroplasty.
- Authors
Herold, Christian; Steiert, Andreas; Knobloch, Karsten; Busche, Marc; Altintas, Mehmet; Vogt, Peter
- Abstract
Purpose: A postoperative defect of the surrounding soft tissue is one main risk factor for implant exposure and infection following total knee arthroplasty (TKR). The main factors that promote infection, tissue ischemia, and hypoxia are strongly associated with arterial insufficiency and the prevalence of impaired peripheral perfusion. We hypothesized that vascular malperfusion is the predisposing reason for soft tissue complications following TKR necessitating plastic reconstructive surgery. Methods: A retrospective chart review was made among patients ( n = 12) with soft tissue defects due to wound infection following a total knee arthroplasty referred to plastic reconstructive surgery. All patients presented with an exposed implant, and angiographic imaging was performed prior to reconstructive procedures. Results: Eight out of twelve patients (67%) had a pathological vascular status. In three of these patients, interventional procedures were performed to ameliorate perfusion. In ten patients (83%), the defect was covered with a plastic reconstructive regional or free tissue transfer. Four patients received a free latissimus dorsi flap and six patients a pedicled a gastrocnemius muscle flap. In one patient, a secondary wound closure was needed after knee arthrodesis and an amputation was performed in another patient due to a multiresistant staphylococcus aureus infection and massive tissue destruction at the time of admission. Conclusions: We suggest to rule out peripheral occlusive disease among patients undergoing TKR at best prior to orthopedic surgery using pulses and, if in doubt ankle-brachial index and doppler sonography Consequently, if vascular occlusions are then confirmed by angiography, dilatation and stenting or revascularization should be performed, to ameliorate perfusion. Level of evidence: Retrospective case series with no comparison groups, Level IV.
- Subjects
SOFT tissue injuries; TOTAL knee replacement; ANGIOGRAPHY; MEDICAL radiography; OPERATIVE surgery
- Publication
Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy, 2011, Vol 19, Issue 12, p2045
- ISSN
0942-2056
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1007/s00167-011-1532-y