Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2025

In Vivo Quantification of Hip Arthrokinematics during Dynamic Weight-bearing Activities using Dual Fluoroscopy
Published on: July 2, 2021
Geographic Variation in Knee Phenotypes Based on the Coronal Plane Alignment of the Knee Classification: A Systematic
Cale A Pagan1, Theofilos Karasavvidis1, Drake G Lebrun1
1Adult Reconstruction and Joint Replacement Service, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York.
Background:
The extent of geographic variation in knee phenotypes remains unclear. The Coronal Plane Alignment of the Knee (CPAK) Classification proposes 9 coronal plane phenotypes based on constitutional limb alignment and joint line obliquity. This systematic review aims to examine differences in the distributions of CPAK types across geographic regions.
Methods:
A systematic review of the literature was performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Studies reporting distributions of knee phenotypes according to the CPAK classification for healthy and/or arthritic knees were included.
Results:
There were 7 studies included, accounting for 5,964 knees in 3,917 subjects. Among healthy knees (n = 1,214), CPAK type II was the most common type in Belgium (39.2%), Taiwan (39.3%), and India (25.6%). Among arthritic knees (n = 2,804), CPAK type I was the most common in France (33.4%), India (58.8%), and Japan (53.8%), whereas CPAK type II was the most common in Australia (32.8%). The proportion of CPAK type I and II knees varied significantly across geographic regions among healthy (P < .01) and arthritic knees (P < .01).
Conclusion:
Significant variation in CPAK distributions exists between countries. Further work is needed to delineate racial and sexual differences in CPAK types, which were not explored in this article. A better understanding of population-level variability in knee phenotypes may enable orthopaedic surgeons to offer a more personalized approach to knee arthroplasty.
Related Concept Videos
Bones of the Lower Limb: Femur and Patella
Functional Classification of Joints
The functional classification of joints is determined by the amount of mobility between the adjacent bones. Joints are functionally classified as a synarthrosis or immobile joint, an amphiarthrosis or slightly moveable joint, or as a diarthrosis, a freely moveable joint. Fibrous and cartilaginous joints can be functionally classified as either synarthroses or amphiarthroses, whereas all synovial joints are classified as diarthroses.
Synarthrosis
An...
Knee Joint
A total of seven ligaments support the knee joint. The patellar ligament, which is also attached to the quadriceps femoris...
Structural Classification of Joints
A fibrous joint is where the adjacent bones are united by fibrous connective...
Eccentric Axial Loading in a Plane of Symmetry
Classification of Bones
Long and Short Bones
The appendicular skeleton, particularly the upper and lower limbs, is primarily made of long and short bones. The...

