Therapeutic results of knee arthrodesis at average follow-up: About 20 cases at the idrissa pouye general hospital in Dakar

Objective: Knee arthrodesis is a widely performed surgical procedure with well-defined indications, and the procedure represents the best choice for patients with significant bone loss and recurrent knee infections. The aim of the study was to evaluate the therapeutic results of knee arthrodesis at Idrissa Pouye General Hospital (HOGIP) in Dakar. Patients and Methods: This is a retrospective study that was carried out on 20 patients who underwent knee arthrodesis at HOGIP between January 2010 and December 2022, a period of twelve years. 20 patients were evaluated, including three (03) cases of limb shortening of approximately 2cm, two (02) cases of unsightly scar and twelve (15) cases had no complications. The mean age was 47.25 years, standard deviation ±18.06, (range: 18 - 67 years). Results: 20 patients who underwent knee arthrodesis, of which fifteen (15) or 75% had no complications, three (03) or 15% had shortening of the limb, and two (02) had an unsightly scar, all patients were fused. The mean time to bone fusion was 3.8 months with extremes of 3 to 6 months. Conclusion: Arthrodesis is often used as a salvage procedure for infected and non-reconstructible total knee arthroplasties. Our study allowed us to evaluate the therapeutic results of knee arthrodesis at the mean follow-up.