What information is available re knee replacement on a leg with chronic active osteomyelitis condition?

greenspun.com : LUSENET : About Joints : One Thread

I am considering having knee replacement surgery due to progressive loss of mobility due to osteoarthritis in knee joints and other joints. The knee which would be replaced is on my right leg in which I have had chronic osteomyelitis since childhood. Iam presently over 70 years of age. Is there any information available concerning previous cases under these conditions or information concerning research on this matter. Many thanks in advance.

-- Walter F Wigley Jr (jofra55@aol.com), August 16, 2003

Answers

Dear sir;

I am not aware of a clinical series of patients with your condition. Chronic osteo is a relative contraindication for knee replacement because of the risk of infection in the replaced joint. However, this does not mean it will necessarily get infected. I'm not sure I have helped you very much. Unfortunately, little is known about the exact incidence of infection in your case.

-- Marc W. Hungerford, M.D. (mhunger@jhmi.edu), February 06, 2004.


Moderation questions? read the FAQ