Authors: Heesterbeek, Petra¹; Keijsers, Noël¹; Jacobs, Wilco¹; Verdonschot, Nico²; Wymenga, Ate³

Source: Acta Orthopaedica, Volume 81, Number 4, August 2010 , pp. 471-477(7)

Publisher: Informa Healthcare

Abstract:

Background and purpose Because of the oblique orientation of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), flexion gap distraction could lead to anterior movement of the tibia, which would influence the tibiofemoral contact point. This would affect the kinematics of the TKR. We assessed the flexion gap parameters when the knee is distracted during implantation of a PCL-retaining TKR. Furthermore, the effects of PCL elevation (steep or flat) and collateral ligament releases on the flexion gap parameters were determined.

Methods During a ligament-guided TKR procedure in 50 knees, the flexion gap was distracted with a double-spring tensor with 200N after the tibia had been cut. The flexion gap height, anterior tibial translation, and femoral rotation were measured intraoperatively using a CT-free navigation system.

Results During flexion gap distraction, the greatest displacement was seen in anterior-posterior direction. Mean ratio between increase in gap height and tibial translation was 1 to 1.9, and was highest for knees with a steep PCL (1 to 2.3). Knees with a flat PCL and knees with a ligament release had a larger increase in PCL elevation when the gap was distracted.

Interpretation When the PCL is tensioned, every extra mm that the flexion gap is distracted can be expected to move the tibia anteriorly by at least 1.7 mm (flat PCL), or more if there is a steep PCL. This changes the tibiofemoral contact point, which may have consequences for polyethylene wear.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3109/17453674.2010.501743

Affiliations: 1: 1Department of Research, Development and Education, Sint Maartenskliniek, Nijmegen 2: 2Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen 3: 4Department of Orthopaedics, Sint Maartenskliniek, Nijmegen, The Netherlands

Publication date: 2010-08-01

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