To visualize how coronal limb alignment of neutral knee phenotypes is altered by various alignment strategies, including mechanical alignment (MA), anatomical alignment (AA), and kinematic alignment (KA), and to establish recommendations for selecting the best alignment strategy.
Key Findings:
Mechanical alignment (MA) has been the traditional method but does not suit all patients.
Newer strategies like phenotype alignment, unrestricted (KA), and restricted kinematic alignment (rKA) may improve functional outcomes.
Only 5%, 20%, and 51% of non-osteoarthritic knees matched MA, AA, and rKA respectively.
Knee phenotypes are heterogeneous, with significant variations in alignment compared to non-OA controls.
Interpretation:
The choice of alignment strategy is crucial, especially for varus or valgus knee phenotypes, while neutral phenotypes may require tailored approaches to maintain overall limb alignment.
Limitations:
The study is limited to bony configurations and does not account for ligament variants, which could influence outcomes.
The simulation may not fully represent real-world complexities of knee anatomy.
Conclusion:
A personalized approach to alignment strategies in total knee arthroplasty is recommended, particularly for patients with neutral knee phenotypes, emphasizing the need for tailored strategies based on individual anatomical characteristics.
by Benjamin L. Schelker, Céline S. Moret, Rüdiger von Eisenhart-Rothe, Heiko Graichen, Markus P. Arnold, Vincent Leclercq, Rolf W. Huegli, Michael T. Hirschmann
