Supracondylar femoral osteotomy and knee joint replacement during the same surgical procedure in a type A haemophiliac patient with knee flexion deformity and ankylosis.

BACKGROUND: Haemophilia A is the cause of diverse musculoskeletal disorders such as ankylosis, arthritis and associated angular deformity. There are few reported cases in patients with haemophilia A in which simultaneous supracondylar femoral osteotomy and knee joint replacement has been performed to treat knee angular deformity and ankylosis. Here we present the case of an 18year old male patient, with an evolution of two years, who was unable to walk due to the presence of an untreated supracondylar fracture in the left femur and ipsilateral haemophilic arthropathy which led him to develop an ankylosis in flexion close to 70°.

METHODS AND RESULTS: Supracondylar osteotomy of the femur and of the left knee joint was performed in the same surgical procedure. Bleeding control was achieved with a protocol of factor VIII supply. The patient was followed up for eight years, and recovered a 0 to 90° range of motion and regained his gait pattern.

CONCLUSIONS: This case potentially provides a new alternative approach for haemophilia patients presenting with angular deformities and complex ankylosis. We suggest that mixed lesions of intra- and extra-articular deformity in haemophiliac patients can be corrected during the same surgical intervention. In addition, interdisciplinary management including haematology for operative and immediately postoperative control of intra-bleeding using factor VIII supply and control, combined with a controlled rehabilitation plan, can yield good functional outcomes in patients with haemophilic arthropathy.