Total knee replacement is a standard treatment for severe osteoarthritis of the knees. It is however, still a novel procedure in Nigeria. Literature on the procedure and outcome of management are sparse in Nigeria.
This study aimed at describing Total Knee prosthetic Replacement as it is practiced in National Orthopaedic Hospital, Lagos.
Data on patients treated with Total knee replacement between 2006 and 2010 were analyzed retrospectively. The standard anterior approach, with a medial parapatellar incision under pneumatic tourniquet was used in all cases.
There were a total of 59 knees in 48 patients operated, with a female: male ratio of 5:1. Patients were in the sixth to ninth decades of life. There was a statistically significant relationship between duration of symptoms and severity of angular deformity. The average pre-operative Knee score (KS) was 27 and average function score (FS) was 43. Average duration of surgery was 126.38 minutes. Tourniquet removal after wound closure was associated with reduced intra-operative blood loss (p < 0.05). Post-operative complications included peri-prosthetic fracture (1.69%), post-operative anaemia (8.47%), superficial wound dehiscence (3.39%) and foot drop (3.39%). The mean post-operative KS and FS increased to 80 and 75 respectively.
Total knee replacement, though a novel procedure in our institution is beneficial to patients with severe osteoarthritis. A long term outcome study is being planned.