ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the functional outcomes and
satisfaction in periprosthetic
knee infection patients after above-the-
knee amputation (AKA). MethodsA
review was performed in 13
patients who underwent AKA due to periprosthetic
knee infection from October 2010 to August 2022, there were 7
females and 6
males with the median age of 69 (45~ 73) years. The mean number of
surgical procedures between primary
total knee arthroplasty and AKA was 2.9 times (range: 1 ~ 6).
Patients were segregated into non-
elderly group (including
patients <65 years old) and
elderly group (involving
patients ≥65 years old). Functional outcomes were evaluated by SF-12 and Barthel activities daily living index (Barthel
ADL index).
Patient satisfaction was accomplished through a
questionnaire. ResultsFour
patients died within 6 months after the
amputation. Three
patients received
surgical procedures for
recurrent infections after AKA. In the remaining 9
patients,the median
time from AKA to the final follow-up was 4.2 (1.9~8.2) years, three
patients received
surgical procedures for
recurrent infections after AKA.
Patients in non-
elderly group showed better functional outcomes than
elderly patients after AKA (both P<0.05). All
patients in non-
elderly group were fitted with a
prosthesis. Whereas,
elderly patients reported a better
satisfaction after AKA than young
patients. ConclusionYoung PJI
patients seemed to have better function and ambulatory
ability with high
expectation and demand, which made them feel less satisfied about AKA. Meanwhile,despite poor function outcomes due to the less healthy physical condition, the alleviation of financial and psychological burdens resulting from
reinfections and multiple surgeries and the less demand in function and daily activities made
elderly patients have a good
satisfaction after AKA.