Eversion or subluxation of patella in soft tissue balancing of total knee arthroplasty? Results of a cadaver experiment

Correct postoperative leg alignment and stability of total knee prosthesis over the full range of movement are critical factors for successful TKA. This is achieved by correct implantation of prothesis and soft tissue handling. However, the surgical approach and how to displace the patella are still controversial. We have carried out a cadaver study looking at the effect of patella eversion or subluxation on limb axis alignment during balancing of the knee in three different standard surgical approaches; subvastus, midvastus, or medial parapatellar. For each approach, five knees were studied. Leg alignment was visualised by the Ci® CT-free DePuy/BrainLAB navigation system. Using a navigation system alignment was determined in the AP axis in both extension and 90˚ flexion, with the patella everted as well as subluxated. Eversion of the patella gave a more valgus axis reading than subluxation in both extension 0.58˚ (SD: 0.03, range 0.54˚–0.60˚) and 90˚ flexion 0.48˚ (SD: 0.11, range 0.38˚–0.60˚). The effect was greatest using the medial paraptellar approach.

Surgeons should be aware that everting the patella influences the AP alignment when soft tissue balancing in total knee replacement.