Tibial AP Translation During Gait Correlates With Intraoperative Medial Mid-Flexion Laxity in Total Knee Arthroplasty Using a Robotic Ligament Tensioner

Description

This presentation from ISTA 2024 held in Nashville and presented by Takayuki Koya is a detailed overview of a study focusing on the relationship between joint laxity, tibial translation, and knee stability in patients undergoing robotic total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Supported by the current USA research funding, the study acknowledges no financial conflicts and highlights the issue of patient dissatisfaction post-surgery, primarily linked to knee joint instability. It discusses the significance of ligament tensioning and its impact on postoperative gait kinetics, aiming to enhance operative decision-making.



The study involved 20 patients who underwent robotic-assisted TKA, measuring medial and lateral laxity using a robotic ligament tensioner and analyzing tibial translation during gait in a motion lab setting. Patients were compared with a healthy elderly cohort to assess the effects of joint laxity on gait variables such as speed and stride length. Results indicated no significant differences across groups; however, variations in anterior-posterior (AP) translation were noted during different phases of the gait cycle, particularly during early swing.



The study concluded that AP translation can serve as a tunable factor during surgery based on measured laxity, potentially improving patient outcomes. It also recognized limitations of a small sample size and a singular surgical technique, underscoring the importance of further research to clarify the best conditions for achieving satisfactory postoperative results.

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