Introduction:
We present the case of a patient undergoing simultaneous reconstruction of a massive soft tissue deficit of the right knee along with total knee arthroplasty and allograft reconstruction of the extensor mechanism after multiple failed attempts to repair and revise the affected joint.
Methods:
A latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap was transferred to fill the soft-tissue deficit of the right knee. During the same procedure, a previously placed antibiotic-cement spacer was removed and a new total knee prosthesis was implanted. What remained of the damaged extensor mechanism was excised and replaced with a cadaveric allograft.
Results:
The latissimus dorsi flap provided the necessary soft-tissue coverage of the revision. The new knee components and allograft extensor mechanism were satisfactorily implanted. One year after simultaneous reconstruction, the knee remains functional and free of infection.
Discussion:
Although current literature may have indicated conversion to arthrodesis or prophylactic soft-tissue repair prior to revision, simultaneous soft-tissue and extensor mechanism repair along with revision total knee arthroplasty have yielded promising results in this patient.