Abstract
Purpose: Mobile Bearing TKA has been reported to improve patellofemoral tracking due to the self-aligning impact of the mobile bearing. However, limited rotation of the mobile bearing may be insufficient to impact patellar tracking in an otherwise well-balanced TKA.
Methods: Between December 1998 and October, 2003, 445 primary TKAs were performed via transpatellar arthrotomy. The same posterior stabilized femoral component was implanted in all knees. There were 312 fixed bearings and 133 rotating platforms implanted. In order to optimize patellar tracking, a neutral mechanical axis was established, femoral components were lateralized and externally rotated, patellar buttons were medialized, tibial components were externally rotated, and gaps and ligaments were meticulously balanced. Lateral release was performed based on intraoperative assessment of patellar tracking.
Results: Lateral releases were performed in 47 of 312 (15%) fixed bearing knees, and in 14 of 133 (11%) mobile bearing knees (p=NS). Average preoperative alignment in the fixed bearing knees was –5 degrees (R-7 to 20), and in the mobile bearing knees was 0 degrees (R-10 to 20).
Conclusions: Careful surgical technique with attention to the details of optimizing patellar tracking may be the most important factor determining the rate of lateral release. The self-aligning ability of mobile bearing TKA, which has been postulated to improve patellar tracking, may not reduce the need for lateral release in the cohort of patients in whom lateral tilt and subluxation of the patella persist even after other factors affecting patellar tracking have been surgically addressed.
The abstracts were prepared by Ms Orah Naor. Correspondence should be addressed to Israel Orthopaedic Association at PO Box 7845, Haifa 31074, Israel.
