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

Abstract

Background: Incorrect 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.

Methods: 232 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.

Results: 113 (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.

Conclusions: Patient-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.

Keywords: Component malalignment; Hip–knee–ankle angle; Neutral mechanical axis; Patient-specific implants; Total knee arthroplasty; Total knee replacement.