[Results of total knee arthroplasty on excessive genu varum superior to 20°]

Total knee arthroplasty on excessive genu varum is a more demanding technique and gives worst results than procedures on moderate deformations. It remains a subject of controversies due to the lack of consensus. The purpose of our study is to evaluate the results of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) on excessive genu varum (superior to 20°) by analyzing pre and post operative clinical and radiological parameters.

We reviewed retrospectively 40 TKA in 33 patients (seven patients operated bilaterally) performed for genu varum superior to 20° between 2004 and 2011. Pre and post operative evaluation of patients were done according to the International Knee Society score.

The mean age of our patients was 67 years with a female predominance. Tricompartmental arthritis was the etiology in all cases. Pre operative IKS score and HKA angle were respectively 52,36 /200 points and 155,7°. The mean follow up was 4 years. Our results were generally satisfactory. The post operative IKS score was 155,36 points (mean joint score of 85.85 points and mean functional score of 69.26 Points) and the post operative HKA angle was 176,17°. Only 60° of patients had normal HKA angle. We noted aseptic loosening of the tibial component in 3 cases.

TKA on excessive genu varum is more demanding technique. Pre operative planning after analyzing different clinical and radiological parameters is necessary to obtain a good functional outcome while minimizing the rate of complications.