The mid-term clinical outcomes of total knee arthroplasty in the management of end-stage hemophilic arthropathy.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the mid-term clinical outcomes of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in the management of end-stage hemophilic arthropathy.

Methods: Eleven patients (15 knees) undergoing TKA with stiff knees were retrospectively evaluated. TKA was performed in all patients without additional surgical interventions such as posterior capsular release, hamstring release, synovectomy, VY quadricepsplasty, or tibial tubercle osteotomy. All patients were evaluated for clinical and radiological results at follow-ups. Functional evaluation and pain status were assessed using the Knee Society Score and Visual Analogue Scale.

Results: The mean age at the time of operation was 40.8 ± 11.8 years (range=30-64 years). The mean follow-up was 51.2 ± 20.6 months (range=24-95). The mean flexion contracture significantly decreased from 17.6 ± 11.3 to 1.7 ± 2.8 degrees, and the mean maximum flexion increased dramatically from 55.6 ± 20.5 to 109.2 ± 16.2 degrees (P < 0.001). Statistical significant improvement in flexion and flexion contracture degrees continued up to the postoperatively 18 months. The mean Knee Society Score increased from 22.7 ± 2.4 points preoperatively to 87.8 ± 3.8 points at the last follow-up (P < 0.001). The mean cost of coagulation factor consumption and blood transfusion accounted for 78% of the total cost.

Conclusion: This study has shown that TKA is an effective treatment for relieving pain and improving both ranges of motion and quality of life in managing end-stage hemophilic arthropathy of the knee joint.

Level Of Evidence: Level IV, Therapeutic Study.