Long-term outcome of the 'Beefburger' procedure in patients unsuitable for two-stage revision following infected total knee replacement.

A 5-year review of a group of 13 patients with infected total knee replacements deemed unsuitable for two-stage revision is presented. The 'Beefburger' procedure was initially performed in all the patients as a 'definitive' procedure. Eight patients had no further procedure performed, three patients were deemed suitable for a subsequent arthrodesis, and two went on to above-knee amputation. Three patients died within the first 6 weeks, but infection was successfully eradicated in eight of the remaining 10 patients (80%) at the time of death or latest review. At follow-up, all traceable subjects had Hospital for Special Surgery Knee Scores and SF-36 scores of below average. No significant difference was found between the 'Beefburger' or arthrodesis groups. In conclusion, the 'Beefburger' procedure gives results similar to arthrodesis and amputation in patients deemed unsuitable for two-stage revision surgery and should perhaps be considered as an option in these medically compromised patients.