Introduction: Worldwide more and more primary knee replacements are being performed. Kinematic alignment (KA) as one of many methods of surgical alignment has been shown to have a significant impact on kinematics and function. The aim of the present study was to compare KA and mechanical alignment (MA) with regard to femorotibial kinematics.
Materials and methods: Eight fresh frozen human specimens were tested on a knee rig during active knee flexion from 30 to 130°. Within the same specimen a medial stabilized (MS) implant design was used first with KA and then with MA.
Results: The femorotibial kinematics showed more internal rotation of the tibia in KA compared to MA. At the same time, there was a larger medial rotation point in KA. Both alignment methods showed femoral rollback over the knee bend.
Conclusion: Relating to an increased internal rotation and a more precise medial pivot point, it can be concluded that KA combined with a MS implant design may partially support the reproduction of physiological knee joint mechanics.
Keywords: Femorotibial kinematics; Kinematic alignment; Mechanical alignment; Total knee arthroplasty.
© 2022. The Author(s).