Lower limb discrepancy after total knee arthroplasty. Is it really an issue?
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31053/1853.0605.v79.n3.36812Keywords:
arthroplasty, replacement, knee, leg length inequality, genu valgumAbstract
Introduction: lower limb discrepancy after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is common. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the incidence of lower limb discrepancy after TKA.
Materials and methods: this is an observational analytical retrospective cohort study. We have included all the patients who underwent unilateral TKA with the same type of implant. The limb length was measured with a panoramic lower limb x-ray. The cut off point to consider the discrepancy was > 10 mm. The type of deformity and the functional outcomes were evaluated.
Results: In a total of 60 patients, 18 (30%) showed a lower limb discrepancy. Out of the patients who presented discrepancy, the most frequent deformity was valgus deformity with a 55,6% followed by varus deformity with 38.89% and 5.56% with neutral axis. The functional outcomes according to the KSS score and the postoperative knee KSS score demonstrated no difference in long term follow up between both groups.
Conclusions: the incidence of lower limb discrepancy after TKA was 30%. None of the patients required surgery as a consequence of the discrepancy. The functional outcomes and pain in a long term follow up did not demonstrate differences between both groups.
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