Joint dislocation after total knee arthroplasty as an ankle fracture complication. Case report

Abstract

Joint dislocation after total knee arthroplasty is a rare complication. It is described as the result of ligamentous instability. Here we report the case of an 82-year-old women who underwent primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for advanced primary grade III gonarthrosis. At 3 post-operative months the joint was stable and painless, with radiographic evidence of good TKA alignment and integration. At 4 months the patient suffered injury to the ankle involving a bimalleolar fracture and damage to knee soft tissues. The fracture was surgically treated. Subsequently, dorsal tibial dislocation was manifested. This was managed by individual intramedullary nail arthrodesis. At 8 months following the operation, the knee condition was satisfactory, with rigid arthrodesis and leg shortening of 4 cm. The patient was satisfied because she was free of pain and able to walk. Arthrodesis of the knee joint with an individual nail is an option for a definitive treatment of TKA instability. When other joints, such as ankle or hip joints, are injured, it is recommended to pay attention also to any TKA implanted previously because of potential development of instability or infection.