Curved Kuntscher nail arthrodesis after failure of knee replacement

Abstract

We report the use of long curved Kuntscher nails to maintain stability during arthrodesis of nine infected and five uninfected failures of total knee replacement. The curvature of the nail helps positioning and avoids the need for cortical perforation. A single-stage operation was possible in most cases. Union rates are comparable with those of other series and even patients with delayed union have satisfactory function.