Total knee arthroplasty in a spinal cord-injured patient: a case report

Abstract

Patients with spinal cord injuries are prone to knee hydrarthrosis (also known as "water on the knee"), which can cause pain, functional impairment and the restriction of social activities. Total knee arthroplasty is a potentially appropriate treatment. Here, we report on a patient presenting partial T12 AIS grade C paraplegia who was able to walk with two forearm crutches, an ankle-foot orthosis on the right leg and a knee-ankle-foot orthosis on the left leg. Thirteen years after the spinal cord injury, the patient presented with septic arthritis of the right knee, complicated by recurrent hydrarthrosis during standing and walking. Arthroscopy revealed advanced osteoarthritis. Total knee arthroplasty was performed, with very good functional and social outcomes two and half years after surgery.