OBJECTIVETo study the efficacy of total knee anhmplasty (TKA) for the treatment of hemophilic knee arthropathy, and to explore the operative characteristics, the selection of prothesis, the effectiveness and safety of clotting factor replacement treatment.

METHODSFrom January 2008 to June 2010, 10 patients (12 knees)with hemophilic anhropathv underwent TKA. The average age was 33.6 years old (ranged, 17 to 49 years). There was 8 cases of type A hemophilia and 2 cases of type B hemophilia. According to Arnold and Hilgartner classification: 7 knees were IV degree and 5 knees were V degree. The level of VIII factor for replacement treatment was more than 80% on operation day, more than 60% within 3 days after operation, more than 40% from the third day to the second week after operation. Added prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) to improve the level of IX factor, and the level of IX factor for replacement treatment was more than 40% on operation day, more than 30% within 3 days after operation, more than 20% from the third day to the second week after operation. Functional training was mainly based on continuous passive motion (CPM) device after surgery. Clinical assessment included hospital for special surgery knee score (HSS) and the individual scores (including pain, function, activity, muscle strength, flexion deformity and stability).

RESULTSTen patients (12 knees) were followed-up, and the average duration was 11 months (ranged, 6 to 24 months). The average preoperative HSS score was (44.9 +/- 12.5) (ranged, 29 to 62 scores), whereas the average postoperative HSS score was (84.4 +/- 10.2) (ranged 72 to 96 scores) (P < 0.01). The preoperative individual score including pain, function, activity, muscle strength flexion deformity and stability were significantly improved compared with pre-operation, the differences between them were statistically significant (P < 0.01 ). TKA had the distinct role in relieving pain from preoperative (8.5 +/- 4.1) to postoperative (24.5 +/- 4.4).

CONCLUSIONUnder the strict perioperative coagulation factor replacement therapy, TKA is a safe and an effective treatment for hemophmc anhmpathy of knee joint, whicht can effectively relieve pain and improve joint function.