The Influence of Preoperative Deformity on Intraoperative Soft Tissue Balance in Posterior-Stabilized Total Knee Arthroplasty

Using a tensor for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) enabling soft tissue balance measurements with a reduced patellofemoral joint and femoral component in place, we examined the influence of preoperative deformity on intraoperative soft tissue balance during posterior-stabilized TKA at 0°, 10°, 45°, 90°, and 135° of flexion in 60 varus-type osteoarthritic patients. Despite more than 20° of preoperative varus deformity influencing intraoperative ligament balance in varus, joint gap showed no significant difference regardless of the amount of preoperative varus deformity. Accordingly, even in pre-operative severe varus deformed knees, gap balancing can be adjusted during PS TKA.