Knee Osteotomy Failure in Neuropathic Arthropathy
Author Information
Author(s): Traina Francesco, De Fine Marcello, Abati Caterina Novella, Frakulli Ideal, Toni Aldo
Primary Institution: Istituti Ortopedici Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
Hypothesis
Can knee osteotomy be an effective treatment for neuropathic arthropathy diagnosed at an early stage?
Conclusion
The knee osteotomy did not improve the patient's condition and resulted in significant joint impairment.
Supporting Evidence
- The patient had a Schatzker type IV fracture of the proximal tibia.
- At 4 months follow-up, the osteotomy showed good healing but the knee remained swollen.
- At 8 months follow-up, the knee joint showed features of late-stage neuropathic arthropathy.
Takeaway
A woman had surgery on her knee to help with a problem caused by nerve damage, but it didn't work and her knee got worse.
Methodology
A medial opening wedge tibial osteotomy was performed, followed by clinical and radiographic evaluations at various follow-up points.
Potential Biases
Patient compliance with post-operative care may have influenced the outcome.
Limitations
The case may not represent typical neuropathic arthropathy due to the complicating fracture, and the follow-up period was limited.
Participant Demographics
A 55-year-old woman with a history of trauma and a diagnosis of neurosyphilis.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website