Knee disarticulation with intercondylar patellofemoral arthrodesis. An improved technique.
As compared to an above-knee amputation, the knee disarticulation has several marked advantages that are well known and accepted by most surgeons. However, it has not gained popularity because it leaves a double condylar, bulbous, uneven stump, which is difficult to fit into the base of the socket. In ten patients, a modified surgical technique included moderate trimming of the femoral condylar prominences and patellofemoral arthrodesis in the intercondylar notch. This produces a conical stump with a large area for end bearing, and at the same time allows the standard suction-socket fitting without ischial weight bearing. The average age was 33.1 years (range, ten to 75 years). The indication for amputation was trauma in four cases, tumor in three cases, chronic osteomyelitis in one, ischemia of the leg in one, and congenital malformation in one. Average length of follow-up study was four years (range, one to 9.8 years). Complications were stump ulceration in one case and fistula formation in two cases. Nine patients achieved full weight-bearing ambulation with an end-bearing type of prosthesis. The remaining patient was not fitted with a prosthesis prior to his death from a systemic medical illness. Union of the patellofemoral arthrodesis was achieved in all ten cases. This procedure is recommended whenever knee disarticulation is indicated and ambulation expected. Significant improvement over standard knee disarticulation or distal above-knee amputation can be achieved.