Preoperative Templating and Computer-Assisted Total Knee Arthroplasty for Arthritic Valgus Knee

We reported the functional outcomes, component alignment and optimal thickness of the tibial inserts and joint line changes of 21 arthritic valgus knee deformities using preoperative templating and computer-assisted total knee arthroplasty(TKA). The osseous cut was modified using a novel preoperative templating technique. Soft tissue balance and component implantation were implemented with the aid of a computed tomography-free navigation system. The arthritic valgus knees had clinical, and functional improvement of the knee Society scores and Lysholm scores postoperatively, at an average of 37.8 +/- 7.2 months. The mean anatomic axis (15.2 degrees +/- 4.5 degrees vs. 6.1 degrees +/- 1.4 degrees) and mechanical axis (8.3 degrees +/- 5.2 degrees vs. 0.28 degrees +/- 1.6 degrees) were also significantly improved postoperatively. The mean thickness of tibial inserts and joint line changes was 10.7 +/- 1.46 mm and 0.1 +/- 1.4 mm. This computer-assisted technique with preoperative radiographic templating is an alternative strategy to improve MA results in arthritic valgus knees. (C) 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.