To explore features, efficacy and precautions during perioperation period for patients with severe gouty arthritis who received total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Twenty-eight knees of 23 gouty arthritis patients who received artificial TKA after failed pain relief by conservative treatment and occurrence of obvious imaging changes in Joint Surgery Department, the First Affiliated Hospital Sun Yat-Sen University during January 2008 and June 2014 were traced. All the patients received over two years’ follow-up treatment after replacement and American knee society score (KSS)of knee and visual analogue scale(VAS) before operation and one week, three months, twelve months and twenty four months after operation, as well as X-ray films of knee joint were recorded. Variance analysis of repeated measurement design was taken for the comparison of efficacy indices at different timing.

No severe complication was seen among all the patients during the surgery and perioperative period. VAS score at one week, three months, twelve months and twenty four months after the surgery (F=31.76, P<0.01), KSS score (F=106.54, 107.85, P<0.01) and activity of joint knee (F=104.78, P<0.01) were significantly improved compared to that before surgery. X ray films of all the patients after surgery indicated good location of prosthesis, satisfactory limb alignment and no bright line and any aseptic loosening signs.

Satisfactory short-term efficacy of artificial TKA in treating advanced gouty arthritis may achieve through comprehensive and regulated disposal, rapid rehabilitation and systemic functional exercise during perioperative period.

Arthroplasty; Knee; Prostheses and implants; Gout; Treatment outcome