[Arthrodesis following revision of a knee endoprosthesis. Literature review 1984-1994].

Two percent of primary and 8% of revision total knee replacements are followed by arthrodesis. Today knee arthrodesis is the most important salvage procedure after failed total knee arthroplasty, resection arthroplasty and above-the-knee amputation being the only alternatives. Analysis of the literature between 1984 and 1994 revealed 533 cases treated with arthrodesis of the knee; 403 were done after failed total knee arthroplasty. The fusion rate was 74%. External fixation, intramedullary nail, plates and combinations of these are currently used for fixation. The literature and an analysis of our own patients from 1988 to 1994 showed that arthrodesis after failed arthroplasty is a difficult procedure, and complications often occur. Bone loss of the distal femur and proximal tibia is the one most important prognostic factor. A new classification system for bone loss is presented.