Vol. 7, Issue 4 (2021)

Introduction: Ochronosis arthropathy (OcA) is a rare condition which may be treated with total knee arthroplasty (TKA) at the end stage. The condition is often discovered only intraoperatively and the ideal choice of TKA is unknown.

Methodology: In the present study we studied 5 patients with worsening chronic bilateral mechanical knee pain had failed conservative therapy. Posterior stabilised (PS), cemented TKA and patella resurfacing was performed. Intraoperatively, collagenous structures such as the menisci and cartilage were noted to be black. Histological examination showed deposition of large amorphous brown material suggestive of ochronosis. He recovered well and underwent TKA of the contralateral knee the following year. At 2 years post index TKA, his outcome scores improved and he was satisfied.

Discussion and Conclusion: With increasing TKA performed worldwide, a surgeon may eventually be surprised by the above findings once in their lifetime. However, as the pathogenesis of OcA appears to be inflammatory in nature, we suggest using cemented PS TKA with resurfacing of the patella.