Based on the findings of the present study, patellar resurfacing is related to significantly higher BTU in the anterior parts of the patella and lower clinical outcomes. In light of these results, routine patellar resurfacing as part of a primary TKA might be reevaluated. SPECT/CT enables a precise localization of the BTU and might be considered as the ideal imaging modality for evaluation and investigate of patellofemoral disorders after TKA.
Purpose
The main purpose of this study was to determine whether there is a correlation between the change of tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance and clinical outcomes after total knee arthroplasty (TKA).
Methods
A total of 52 knees undergoing TKA due to primary osteoarthritis were included in this retrospective study. All patients had pre- and postoperative CT scans. TT-TG distance was measured by two independent observers and the following alignment parameters were measured: hip-knee ankle angle (HKA), femoral mechanical angle (FMA), tibial mechanical angle (TMA), and posterior condylar angle (PCA). Clinical outcome was assessed using Knee Society Score (KSS) pre- and post-operatively and at a minimum of 12-month follow-up. Evidence of AKP was noted from follow-up reports. Pre- and postoperative scores were compared using a paired Student t-test. Pearson correlations were calculated to assess the influence of TT-TG on clinical outcome and of alignment parameters on the change in TT-TG. TT-TG between patients with and without AKP was compared using unpaired Student’s t-test (p < 0.05).
Results
Neither the absolute postoperative TT-TG nor the amount of change in TT-TG correlated with the post-operative KSS or the change in KSS. Post-operative TT-TG and change in TT-TG did not differ significantly between patients with and patients without AKP. Only the change in FMA showed a correlation with the change in TT-TG (p = 0.01, r = 0.36).
Conclusion
Despite a missing correlation between outcomes and TT-TG distance in this study, excessive TT-TG distance should be avoided. Furthermore, surgeons need to be aware that changes in femoral joint line orientation might affect TT-TG distance.
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