A Case of Complex Deformity of Knee Corrected by Ilizarov Fixation in a Teenage Patient.

Abstract

Introduction: After the spine, the knee is the second most common location for skeletal tuberculosis. An unusual complication of tuberculosis infection is triple knee deformity. The combination of knee flexion, posterolateral tibial subluxation, and external tibial rotation over femoral condyles manifests as a severe deformity. Currently, a variety of surgical intervention techniques are recommended for knee deformity correction, including the use of an Ilizarov ring fixator or limb reconstruction system, total knee arthroplasty, and arthrodesis with synovectomy.

Case report: A 17-year-old adolescent with a 2-year limping history and left knee flexion deformity and swelling was examined. The patient was treated with anti-tuberculosis therapy for 9 months after being diagnosed as having pulmonary tuberculosis. The results of the left knee synovial fluid aspiration revealed confirmation of tuberculosis knee. The Ilizarov technique was used to treat the patient's 95° fixed flexion deformity of the knee which was associated with painful jog of movements.

Conclusion: The Ilizarov procedure has been regarded as the best way to treat complicated deformities of the knee caused by tuberculosis sequelae because it has great clinical results and few side effects.