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Review
. 2024 Apr 9;16(4):e57938.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.57938. eCollection 2024 Apr.

Navigating the Divide: A Comprehensive Review of the Mechanical and Anatomical Axis Approaches in Total Knee Replacement

Anmol Suneja  1 , Sanjay V Deshpande  1 , Gajanan Pisulkar  1 , Shounak Taywade  1 , Abhiram A Awasthi  2 , Ankur Salwan  1 , Sachin Goel  1
Affiliations
Review

Navigating the Divide: A Comprehensive Review of the Mechanical and Anatomical Axis Approaches in Total Knee Replacement

Anmol Suneja et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

This comprehensive review explores the mechanical and anatomical axis approaches in total knee replacement (TKR) surgery, addressing the ongoing debate within the orthopedic community. Emphasizing the significance of TKR in alleviating knee-related disorders, this review underscores the pivotal role of accurate alignment in achieving optimal surgical outcomes. The purpose is to navigate the divide between the well-established mechanical axis approach, focusing on a straight-line alignment, and the anatomical axis approach, aligning with natural knee landmarks. The analysis delves into the advantages, disadvantages, and clinical implications of each approach, offering a nuanced perspective on their efficacy. The conclusion emphasizes a patient-centric approach, recommending the adoption of hybrid strategies and the incorporation of emerging technologies for enhanced precision. The future of TKR aligns with personalized medicine, leveraging advancements in computer-assisted navigation, robotics, and patient-specific implants. Ongoing professional development and interdisciplinary collaboration are crucial for surgeons, and as the field evolves, innovations in artificial intelligence, imaging, and 3D printing are expected to shape the trajectory of TKR alignment approaches.

Keywords: alignment approaches; anatomical axis; mechanical axis; personalized medicine; surgical outcomes; total knee replacement.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Factors influencing the surgeon's choice
Image Credit: Dr. Anmol Suneja
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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