A prospective analytical study on the effect of posterior femoral condylar offset on range of knee flexion in patients undergoing cruciate retaining total knee arthroplasty

Abstract

<p><strong>Background:</strong> Osteoarthritis (OA) of knee joint is a common problem in our society causing pain, deformity, oedema, malalignment and limitation of activity. Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is the surgery done for treatment of this problem. The range of movement obtained after TKA is an important factor influencing success of surgery. Posterior femoral condylar offset (PCO) is one of the parameters influencing range of movement after surgery. The dearth of studies in Indian population and contradicting results in already conducted studies has been observed in assessing the effect of PCO on range of knee flexion in patients undergoing TKA. Hence this study is done to explore this correlation.</p><p><strong>Methods:</strong> A prospective analytical study on 36 patients (50 knees) who underwent cruciate retaining TKA at Department of Orthopaedics, Rajagiri Hospital, Aluva. PCO and posterior femoral condylar offset ratio (PCOR) were calculated radiologically before and after TKA. Range of flexion (ROF) and knee society scores (for functional outcome assessment) were recorded preoperatively and postoperatively (at 6 weeks and 3 months).</p><p><strong>Results:</strong> The study found a strong positive correlation between PCO difference and ROF difference (r=0.735). Strong positive correlation was also found between PCOR difference and ROF difference (r=0.777). Both these correlations were statistically significant (p<0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> The study enlightened us about the point that PCO is an important factor in attaining a good ROF after cruciate retaining TKA.</p>