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Intraoperative sensors may identify target ligament balance during TKA
Use of intraoperative force-sensing showed balancing total knee arthroplasties within a 60-pound difference may improve early outcomes, according to results.
Following total knee arthroplasty (TKA), researchers inserted sensor-embedded smart tibial trials in 189 knees and recorded compartment forces throughout a range of motion. Researchers grouped knees by average medial and lateral compartment force differences and obtained clinical outcome measures preoperatively and at 4 months.
Results showed 15% of knees were balanced within 15 pounds, while 28% were balanced greater than 75 pounds. Researchers noted an association between mediolateral force difference less than 60 pounds with greater improvement in University of California Los Angeles activity level. However, mediolateral balance in the knee was unrelated to Knee Society objective, function and satisfaction scores, as well as self-reported health state, according to results. – by Casey Tingle
Disclosures: Meneghini reports that he receives royalties from and is a paid consultant for Stryker and is a board member for the Knee Society Radiographic Score Committee. Please see the full study for a list of all other authors’ relevant financial disclosures.