The influence of extension-flexion gap imbalance on the joint function in primary total knee arthroplasty

Introduction A poorly balanced, unstable, or stiff joint is a major cause of residual pain, dissatisfaction, and revision after total knee replacement (TKA), but the definition of a well-balanced joint remains debatable. The aim of the study was to explore the influence of the knee space and the extension-flexion gap being accurately restored in primary TKA on the knee function and the quality of life of the patient. Material and methods A prospective, single-center, randomized, controlled study was performed for 41 patients with grade 3-4 knee osteoarthritis. (K-L): the first group (n = 21) underwent primary TKA with the method proposed for precise realignment of the extension-flexion gap, the second group (n = 20) underwent standard arthroplasty. The patients had CT scans of the knee performed preoperatively and postoperatively, and VAS scale pain, knee joint scales: OKS, FJS-12, KSS (pain and function), SF-36 (parameters: PF, RP, BP, GH, VI, SF, RE, MH) were used at 3, 6 and 12 months. Results Comparison of the standing height of the joint space preoperatively and postoperatively showed a high statistical significance measuring about 20.7 % in frontal plane (group 1: 2.06 ± 2.368, group 2: 2.629 ± 2.455, р function show_eabstract() { $('#eabstract1').hide(); $('#eabstract2').show(); $('#eabstract_expand').hide(); }