Home
Scholarly Works
Perfect balance in total knee arthroplasty: The...
Journal article

Perfect balance in total knee arthroplasty: The elusive compromise

Abstract

A Tensor/Balancer device (Stryker Howmedica Osteonics, Allendale, NJ) was used to restore optimal stability and alignment during 83 consecutive total knee arthroplasties with a minimum of 6-week clinical and radiographic follow-up. The surgical technique is described. Mean flexion-extension symmetry was restored to within 1 degrees. Mean femoral rotation required to achieve symmetry in flexion differed between varus (4.38 degrees ) and valgus (6.0 degrees ) knees. Of 83 knees, 7 had >3 mm of subjective laxity during component trialing and were associated with a preoperative deformity of >15 degrees; 19 knees required femoral rotation of >6 degrees and were associated with greater preoperative malalignment. Postoperative knee alignment, range of motion, Knee Society score, and lateral release rate were similar between the 2 groups. The use of a Tensor/Balancer device in total knee arthroplasty can achieve outcomes comparable to existing techniques with potential for improved technical accuracy.

Authors

Winemaker MJ

Journal

The Journal of Arthroplasty, Vol. 17, No. 1, pp. 2–10

Publisher

Elsevier

Publication Date

January 1, 2002

DOI

10.1054/arth.2002.29321

ISSN

0883-5403

Contact the Experts team