SURVIVAL AND COMPLICATIONS OF UNICOMPARTMENTAL RECONSTRUCTIONS OF THE KNEE

Abstract

Purpose of the study: High quality knee stability and function after unicompartmental reconstruction is a considerable surgical challenge. Occasionally, the healthy compartment has to be sacrificed to achieve prosthetic reconstruction. Osteoarticular reconstructions using allografts enable restoration of the anatomic configuration and reinsertion of the articular structures (menisci) and periarticular ligaments. The purpose of this study was to analyze survival of unicompartmental osteoarticu-lar allografts of the knee and to assess complications.

Material and methods: A series of 40 unicompartmental osteoarticular allografts of the knee joint were performed from 1962 to 2001 in 38 patients followed for ten years on average (range 2–35 years). Reconstruction was performed after tumor resection in 36 patients (33 giant-cell tumors, 1 osteogenic sarcoma, 1 chondrosarcoma, 1 malignant fibrohistocytome) and after open fracture in two. The procedure involved a femoral allograft in 29 knees (medial for 11 and lateral for 18), and a tibial graft in 11 (medial for 4 and lateral for 7). Menisci and ligaments were attached to the allograft depending on the configuration of the reconstruction. A rigid screw plate internal fixation was used in all cases. The Kaplan-Meier survival was plotted from implantation to revision or last follow-up. Complications (local recurrence, fracture, joint collapse, infection) were analyzed.

Results: The overall survival at five years was 85%. There were eight complications in six patients: local recurrence (n=2), infection (n=2), fracture (n=1), massive resorption and joint collapse (n=1). Complications were considered as failures and a second reconstruction with a second allograft (two unicompartmental and four bicompartmental allografts) or a prosthetic allograft (for two joint collapse cases) were performed.

Discussion: Despite a high rate of revision for complications, five-year survival of unicompartmental allografts was 85%. This procedure appears to be a useful solution for massive loss of bone and joint stock limited to a single compartment.