Total knee arthroplasty in patients with excessive external tibial torsion >45° and patella instability--surgical technique and follow up

J Arthroplasty. 2013 Apr;28(4):614-9. doi: 10.1016/j.arth.2012.08.012. Epub 2012 Nov 9.

Abstract

Patients presenting with advanced knee osteoarthritis (OA), excessive external tibial torsion (EETT) and chronic patella subluxation pose significant surgical challenges. A combination of TKA, tibial derotation osteotomy, and tibial tuberosity transfer was performed in ten patients (twelve knees) with OA secondary to EETT and patellar instability. Six weeks of non weight-bearing and flexion limited to 45° was mandated after surgery. The mean follow-up and patient age was 81months (range, 14 to 159) and 56years (range, 49 to 62). The mean pre-operative external tibial torsion was 62°, with an average rotational correction of 30°. Significant improvement was found in the Knee Society Score, SF-12 and all WOMAC questionnaire score subscales (p<0.0001); 5 patients had complications, but no loosening or nonunion was seen.

MeSH terms

  • Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee / methods*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Joint Instability / complications
  • Joint Instability / surgery*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Osteoarthritis, Knee / complications
  • Osteoarthritis, Knee / surgery*
  • Patella*
  • Tibia / abnormalities*
  • Tibia / surgery*
  • Torsion Abnormality / complications
  • Torsion Abnormality / surgery*