Multi-planar component alignment predicts functional outcomes after total knee arthroplasty: A prospective cohort...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Biomechanical Engineering
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Optimal lower-limb alignment is critical for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) success and implant longevity.
• Neutral mechanical alignment is traditional, but rotational alignment's impact is less understood.
• This study investigates multi-planar alignment and its relation to functional outcomes post-TKA.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the association between coronal, sagittal, and rotational component alignment after TKA.
• To determine the relationship between precise implant positioning and functional outcomes measured by the Oxford Knee Score (OKS).

Main Methods:

• Prospective cohort study of primary TKA patients.
• Coronal and sagittal alignment assessed via weight-bearing radiographs.
• Rotational alignment evaluated using computed tomography (CT) scans.
• Functional outcomes measured using the Oxford Knee Score (OKS) at 1-year follow-up.

Main Results:

• Significant positive correlations found between alignment in all three planes and OKS scores (P < 0.05).
• Superior functional outcomes observed in patients with alignment closer to neutral and optimal rotational positioning.
• Findings highlight the biomechanical importance of precise TKA component placement.

Conclusions:

• Precise multi-planar alignment (coronal, sagittal, rotational) is linked to improved knee function post-TKA.
• Routine inclusion of rotational alignment assessment may improve outcome prediction.
• Further research with larger cohorts and long-term follow-up is needed to confirm effects on implant durability and patient satisfaction.