Mechanical Alignment vs Kalipered Kinematic Alignment Total Knee Arthroplasty
This study compares two different surgical approaches for knee replacement surgery. One approach aligns the new knee joint to a standard neutral position, while the other aligns it to match your knee's natural position before arthritis developed.
Key Objective:The trial tests whether aligning the knee replacement to your natural knee position results in better function, less pain, and longer-lasting results compared to traditional alignment methods.
Who to Consider:People with knee osteoarthritis who are candidates for knee replacement surgery and want to understand which alignment approach may work best for their individual anatomy and lifestyle.
Trial Parameters
Eligibility Fast-Check
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Brief Summary
Knee replacement surgery can be performed in one of two ways. Traditionally the goal was for the new joint to be in a neutral position with respect to the femur (thigh bone). This is called Mechanical Alignment (MA). The neutral position is different than the human knee's natural position, so MA often requires the surgeon to make additional cuts to the ligaments and other soft tissue around the knee. More recently surgeons have started to place the new joint in a position that more closely replicates the natural alignment of the human knee. This is called Kinemetic Alignment (KA). KA can be done without additional soft tissue dissection but the procedure requires a higher level of precision that can be difficult to achieve in every case. Some studies have found no difference in outcomes between MA and KA, whereas others have found KA to be superior. But these were small studies or studies that did not consider patient-rated outcomes.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patient undergoing primary TKA with a medially-stabilized SpheriKA knee system * Able to read and understand consent form and PRO instruments and willing to return for follow up visits Exclusion Criteria: * Varus or Valgus malalignment \>15 degrees to mechanical axis * Flexion contracture \>15 degrees or flexion \<90 degrees * BMI \>40 * Revision TKA or other prior knee surgery other than arthroscopy or arthroscopic-assisted ligament reconstruction * Diagnosis or history of any of the following * inflammatory arthritis * infection in study knee * chronic pain * chronic opioid use * metabolic musculoskeletal disorder other than osteopenia/osteoporosis * Patients receiving workers' compensation for study condition * Patients who cannot complete questionnaires in English * Patients with comorbidities preventing surgery * Patients who are not able to provide informed consent