Alignment in total knee arthroplasty — A comparison of patient-specific implants with the conventional technique

Abstract

BackgroundIncorrect positioning and malalignment of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) components can result in implant loosening. Restoration of neutral alignment of the leg is an important factor affecting the long-term results of TKA. The aim of our retrospective study was to compare mechanical axis in patients with conventional and patient-specific TKAs. Methods232 patients who underwent TKA between January 2013 and December 2014 were included to compare postoperative mechanical axis. 125 patients received a patient-specific TKA (iTotal CR®, Conformis) and 107 a conventional TKA (Triathlon®, Stryker). Standardized pre- and postoperative long-leg standing radiographs were retrospectively evaluated to compare the two patient cohorts. Results113 (90%) radiographs of patient-specific TKA and 88 (82%) of conventional TKA were available for comparison. The preoperative deviation from neutral limb axis was 9.0° (0.1–27.3°) in the patient-specific TKA cohort and 8.2° (0.2–18.2°) in the conventional TKA group. Postoperatively the patient-specific TKA group showed 3.2° (0.1–8.4°) and the conventional TKA cohort 2.3° (0.1–12.5°) deviation. However, the rate of ±3° outliers from neutral limb axis was 16% in the patient-specific TKA cohort and 26% in the conventional TKA group. ConclusionsPatient-specific TKA demonstrated fewer outliers from neutral leg alignment compared to conventional technique. Potential benefits in the long-term outcome and functional improvement require further investigation.