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Published on: May 5, 2023
Changes in varus-valgus laxity after total knee arthroplasty over time
Mitsuhiro Takeda1, Yoshinori Ishii, Hideo Noguchi
1Ishii Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Clinic, 1089 Shimo-Oshi, Gyoda, Saitama, 361-0037, Japan. takeda724@hotmail.com
Summary
This study found no significant difference in knee laxity over time between posterior cruciate ligament-retaining and sacrificing prostheses. The posterior cruciate ligament does not impact coronal stability in total knee replacements.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Biomechanical analysis of knee prostheses
Background:
- Total knee replacement (TKR) is a common procedure for osteoarthritis.
- The role of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) in TKR outcomes remains a subject of investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate changes in varus-valgus laxity over time after TKR.
- To determine the relationship between laxity and the retention of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL).
Main Methods:
- A randomized prospective study involving 60 patients with osteoarthritis undergoing TKR.
- Patients received either PCL-retaining or PCL-sacrificing mobile-bearing prostheses.
- Varus-valgus laxity was measured at multiple time points up to an average of 77 months post-surgery.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in varus or valgus laxity were observed between the PCL-retaining and PCL-sacrificing groups.
- Coronal laxity remained stable over time in both groups.
- Laxity measurements showed minimal variation across all follow-up intervals.
Conclusions:
- The PCL does not influence coronal stability in mobile-bearing TKR.
- Coronal laxity is not affected by PCL status or changes over time following TKR.
- These findings support the use of both PCL-retaining and PCL-sacrificing techniques in TKR.
