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Gap balancing improve squat function and knee function: a randomized controlled trial comparing gap balancing and
Qingfang Xiao1, Bo Liu1, Binghao Zhao2
1Department of Osteoarthrosis, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, No.39 Middle Chaoyang Road, Maojian District, Shiyan, Hubei, China.
Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research
|April 9, 2021
Summary
The gap balancing (GB) technique for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) resulted in shorter operation times and improved knee function compared to the measured resection (MR) technique. GB also led to reduced pain and fewer complications in osteoarthritis patients.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Biomedical Engineering
- Clinical Research
Background:
- Knee osteoarthritis (OA) affects millions, necessitating effective surgical interventions like total knee arthroplasty (TKA).
- Surgical techniques, including measured resection (MR) and gap balancing (GB), aim to optimize TKA outcomes.
- Comparative studies are crucial to determine the superior technique for functional recovery and patient satisfaction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of the measured resection (MR) technique versus the gap balancing (GB) technique in primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for patients with knee osteoarthritis.
- To evaluate the impact of MR and GB techniques on knee function, squat function, pain, and range of motion post-TKA.
- To assess the incidence of postoperative complications associated with each surgical technique.
Main Methods:
- A prospective randomized controlled trial involving 96 patients with knee OA undergoing primary TKA.
- Patients were randomized into two groups: GB (n=48) and MR (n=48).
- Intraoperative indicators were recorded, and patients were assessed at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months post-surgery using pain severity scales, WOMAC, knee range of motion, OKS, and AKSS.
Main Results:
- The GB group exhibited a higher osteotomy volume of the medial femoral condyle but a shorter operation time compared to the MR group.
- Postoperatively, the GB group showed significantly lower pain severity, improved knee range of motion, lower WOMAC scores, and higher OKS and AKSS scores.
- The incidence of postoperative complications was significantly lower in the GB group (4.17%) than in the MR group (18.75%).
Conclusions:
- The gap balancing (GB) technique is superior to the measured resection (MR) technique in primary total knee arthroplasty for knee osteoarthritis.
- GB effectively reduces operation time, alleviates pain, enhances knee range of motion and function, lowers the osteoarthritis index, and decreases complication rates.
- The GB technique demonstrates significant clinical benefits, warranting its widespread adoption and application in TKA procedures.
