Total Knee Arthroplasty Wound Complication Treatment Algorithm: Current Soft Tissue Coverage Options

Abstract

Background: Wound complications associated with soft tissue defects following total knee arthroplasty present challenges for the orthopedic surgeon. The scale of early complications include less morbid problems, such as quickly resolving drainage and small superficial eschars, to persistent drainage and full-thickness tissue necrosis, which may require advanced soft tissue coverage.

Methods: This review outlines current wound management strategies and provides an algorithm to help guide treatment and clinical decision-making.

Conclusion: A surgeon's understanding of soft tissue coverage options is essential in protecting the knee prosthesis from a deep infection and to obtain an optimal functional outcome.

Keywords: arthroplasty; draining wound; exposed hardware; flaps; total knee arthroplasty; wound complication.