Factors influencing the long-term outcome of primary total knee replacement in haemophiliacs: a review of 116 procedures at a single institution

Br J Haematol. 2009 Apr;145(2):227-34. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2141.2009.07613.x. Epub 2009 Feb 22.

Abstract

Total knee replacement (TKR) is a safe treatment for alleviating pain and restoring physical function in end-stage arthropathy of the knee. First reports of TKR in haemophiliacs date back to the mid-1970s, however detailed information on long-term outcome is scarce. This study evaluated factors influencing the outcome of 116 primary TKRs performed consecutively over 14 years at a single institution. Haemostatic management is discussed in patients with and without inhibitors. Orthopaedic outcome was measured by using the Hospital for Special Surgery knee-rating scale, knee flexion contracture and range of motion. At the end of follow-up period (median duration: 5.1 years) 96 prostheses (83%) were still in place with a 7-year removal-free survival of 81%, similar between human immunodeficiency virus-positive and -negative patients and lower in inhibitor than non-inhibitor patients (44% vs. 87%; P < 0.05). Sixteen prostheses (14%) were removed for infection (nine) or aseptic loosening (seven) after a median of 4.5 years. Presence of inhibitors, continuous infusion, cementless prostheses and different primary surgeons were associated with an increased risk of infection; however, after adjustment, only primary surgeon was confirmed as an independent risk factor. These results show that TKR represents a safe and effective procedure in haemophiliacs if performed by a highly experienced surgeon.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee / methods*
  • Blood Loss, Surgical / prevention & control
  • Evidence-Based Medicine / methods*
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Hemophilia A / blood
  • Hemophilia A / microbiology
  • Hemophilia A / surgery*
  • Hemostatics / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Prosthesis Failure
  • Prosthesis-Related Infections / drug therapy
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Hemostatics