Comparison of tibial rotation in fixed and mobile bearing total knee arthroplasty using computer navigation

Tibial rotation is an important aspect of knee function and can be altered after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). These alterations include decreased internal rotation with knee flexion as compared to the normal state and paradoxical external rotation with flexion. Mobile bearing total knee prostheses may allow greater unconstrained tibial rotation. I compared tibial rotation after fixed bearing or mobile bearing total knee arthroplasty in 82 patients who underwent TKA with the tibia cut first technique to ascertain any differences. Using intraoperative imageless computer navigation, measurements included the determination of tibial rotation from extension to 90° flexion before and after prosthetic implantation with non-weight-bearing range of motion. I found that tibial rotation was significantly reduced after fixed bearing total knee replacement as compared to mobile bearing. In addition, the tibial position compared to the distal femur in extension was more external in fixed bearings compared to mobile bearings. Placing the fixed tibial tray with increased internal rotation could explain this difference.