Compression arthrodesis of the knee; a clinical and histological study.

Compression arthrodesis of the knee was first described by Key (1932) and interest in the method was revived by Charnley (1948) whose clinical experiences led him to believe that osseous union could be present four weeks after operation. This has been doubted and it is generally believed that the best that can be expected at this stage is an extremely close fibrous union which later becomes converted into bone. The early rigidity of this arthrodesis can be explained mechanically because the closely applied flat surfaces of the arthrodesis, even