Surgical Technique of Total Knee Arthroplasty without Soft Tissue Balance

Abstract

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) without soft tissue balance can create a balanced knee to a mechanical axis of near neutral with bone cuts, and remove osteophytes thoroughly. In this study, the authors present detailed steps for performing TKA. The attached video demonstrates the TKA procedure. The patient is a 77-year-old man who had suffered from knee pain for 12 years. Physical examination showed the Apley test to be positive and that the range of motion (ROM) decreased. An X-ray filmed at the positive lateral of the knee joint and the double lower extremity revealed a progression of degenerative osteoarthritis with genu varum. The key point of no soft tissue release is to make a rectangular extensional space by osteotomy. In addition, the osteophytes, especially syndesmophytes, should be removed thoroughly. As a result, the ligaments can achieve ideal length and the flexion contracture can also be remedied. Moreover, in surgeries without soft tissue release, bone mass and normal tissue are retained. Patients are satisfied to the surgery not only with less blood loss, anterior knee pain and DVT, but also faster rehabilitation. In summary, TKA without soft tissue balance is an efficient procedure for patients with knee osteoarthritis which can result in good prognosis.

Keywords: Osteophytes; Rectangular osteotomy; Soft tissue balance; Total knee arthroplasty.

Figure 1

Preoperative standing anteroposterior radiograph. The para relationship was in good alignment.

Figure 2

Positive and lateral of knee joint radiograph. The joint space narrowing, marked osteophyte formation at the joint margins, and dense sclerosis of subchondral bone.