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Surgical ankylosis

Case contributed by Mahomed A. Osman
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Knee immobility post surgery for failed joint replacement

Patient Data

Age: 75
Gender: Female
x-ray

There is ankylosis of the left knee joint with an intramedullary nail traversing the joint extending to the proximal third of the tibia. Osteolysis of the fibula head and proximal fibula with a bony fragment at the lateral aspect mid-shaft of the fibula.

Case Discussion

The differential diagnosis for ankylosis is wide, and includes ankylosing spondylitis, arthritides, coalition and iatrogenic (surgical). In this case the history and presence of metalwork traversing the joint gives the correct diagnosis of surgical ankylosis.

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