Stuart Goodman
Publication Details
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Cemented total knee arthroplasty in patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.
Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2005; (433): 140-6
The optimal techniques and implants for total knee arthroplasty in patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis are controversial. We report the functional outcomes and complications of a series of 17 cemented total knee arthroplasties done by one surgeon during a 10-year period in which off-the-shelf implants were used, the posterior cruciate ligament was excised, and a lateral retinacular release was done. Preoperatively, all knees had severe loss of normal joint space and osteopenia on 3-foot, standing AP radiographs, lateral radiographs, and patellofemoral views. The patients were evaluated after a mean followup of 74 months (range, 36-116 months). The Knee Society scores improved from a mean of 38.9 +/- 23.9 points (range, 10-81 points) preoperatively to 81.9 +/- 16.6 points (range, 39-99 points) postoperatively. Range of motion showed significant improvement in all patients at the most recent followup. Ambulation scores improved significantly; nine of 10 patients (15 knees) were ambulatory after surgery. Complications included two transient regional pain syndromes and one patellofemoral subluxation requiring realignment. Cemented total knee arthroplasty with off-the-shelf implants, excision of the posterior cruciate ligament, and lateral retinacular release in patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis can provide substantial improvement in pain, deformity, ambulation, and function.
