Fracture in an arthrodesed Charcot’s knee joint

Abstract

Charcot’s joint is a type of neuro-arthropathy, where asymmetrical damage of the involved joint happens haphazardly, without following any described pattern. We present a rare case of Charcot’s joint involving the knee joint in an adult male following spina bifida. His knee joint was successfully fused after two surgeries. Later, he sustained a fracture through the arthrodesis after a fall, which we managed surgically. The fracture through the knee arthrodesis was managed surgically by an open reduction and internal fixation, using a 14-hole broad low contact dynamic compression locking plate with bone grafting. Union was achieved at the knee arthrodesis site in 6 months. Fracture through a fused knee requires surgical management. Re-arthrodesis was done using a stable fixation. Postoperative rehabilitation should include protected weight bearing with braces and splints until a sound bony union is achieved.