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Posterolateral capsular release for correction of valgus deformity
Ofir Chechik1, Chen Mayer, Michael Drexler
1Department of Orthopedics, Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel. ofirchik@yahoo.com
The Journal of Knee Surgery
|November 15, 2012
Summary
Posterolateral capsular release effectively balances valgus knee arthroplasty, improving alignment and function. This technique offers a safe and simple solution for surgeons, achieving successful coronal balance.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Achieving coronal balance in valgus knee arthroplasty is challenging.
- Existing lateral release techniques lack surgical consensus.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of posterolateral capsular release as the sole method for lateral release in valgus knee arthroplasty.
- To assess the impact on coronal alignment and patient outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 42 consecutive valgus knee arthroplasty patients.
- Posterolateral capsular release was the only lateral release technique used.
- Follow-up averaged 42 months.
Main Results:
- All knees achieved successful coronal balance without additional releases.
- Valgus angles significantly improved from 17.5° to 6.3° (p < 0.0001).
- Knee and functional scores showed significant improvement (p < 0.0001).
- One case of transient peroneal palsy occurred.
Conclusions:
- Posterolateral capsular release is a simple, safe, and effective technique for balancing valgus knee arthroplasty.
- It achieves successful coronal alignment and improves patient function.
- The technique is comparable to the "inside-out" approach.
