Total knee arthroplasty in osteopetrosis using patient-specific instrumentation

Abstract

Osteopetrosis is an uncommon endocrine disease characterized by defective osteoclast resorption of bones. This causes a hard, sclerotic, and brittle bone throughout the skeleton. Fractures and unforgiving subchondral bone are common in this condition, both of which can lead to osteoarthritis. Total knee arthroplasty is often the treatment of choice but presents challenges due to the hard and sclerotic bone present throughout the metaphysis and diaphysis of the femur and the tibia. We present a case of knee osteoarthritis in a patient with osteopetrosis who underwent total knee arthroplasty using patient-specific instrumentation. This technique eliminates intramedullary alignment and minimizes drilling, reaming, and saw passes, making it attractive in the setting of diseases such as osteopetrosis to decrease operative time and potential complications.