Appraisal of Clinical Improvement With Total Knee Arthroplasty in Valgus Knee Deformities: A Case Series

Abstract

IntroductionThis case series explores the efficacy of unassisted total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in addressing valgus knee deformity secondary to osteoarthritis. The study aims to evaluate functional outcomes pre-and postsurgery using the Knee Society Score (KSS) and radiological assessments in short-term follow-up. Six patients underwent TKA and were evaluated retrospectively. Statistical analysis revealed significant improvements in the angle of deformity, KSS, and range of motion postoperatively. The study underscores the success of TKA in correcting valgus deformity, improving knee function, and enhancing patient satisfaction.TKA is a highly successful treatment for osteoarthritis, providing functional recovery and improved quality of life. However, valgus knee deformity presents a challenge in TKA, affecting approximately 10% of patients. This study aims to assess the functional outcomes of TKA for valgus deformity using KSS and radiological evaluation in short-term follow-up. Materials and methodsA retrospective observational study was conducted from November 2022 to December 2023, involving six patients with valgus knee deformity secondary to osteoarthritis. TKA was performed with no technological assistance, and patients were assessed pre-and post-surgery using KSS and radiological measurements. Statistical analysis was performed using paired t-tests. Case descriptionSix patients with grade two valgus deformity underwent technology-unassisted TKA. The postoperative assessment revealed significant improvements in the tibiofemoral angle, KSS, and range of motion. The medial parapatellar approach for TKA was utilized with a standard unconstrained primary TKA prosthesis, resulting in successful correction of deformity and improved knee alignment. DiscussionTKA is a widely performed and reliable surgical intervention, with valgus knee deformity posing specific challenges. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of conventional TKA in correcting valgus deformity, improving knee function, and enhancing patient satisfaction in a very small case series. Comparison with previous studies supports the findings of the pre-existing literature, highlighting the importance of appropriate surgical approach and patient selection. ConclusionTKA utilizing a medial parapatellar approach proved effective in our small case series in correcting valgus deformity, improving knee function, and enhancing patient satisfaction. Short-term follow-up reveals significant improvements in stability, posture, and KSS scores. Further assessments and longer-term followup are warranted to confirm the long-term effectiveness of this approach.