Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of our study was to examine the influence of anesthesia on coronal laxity in the extension position after total knee arthroplasty. We hypothesized that the measurements in the unconscious state would be higher than the values obtained in the conscious state.
Methods: We conducted stress arthrometric studies using a Telos arthrometer on 20 knees in 19 patients. Laxities were measured under spinal anesthesia (immediately postoperatively) and at the time of discharge (3-4 weeks postoperatively).
Results: Contrary to our expectations, the mean medial ligamentous laxity was 1.7° immediately after surgery and 2.9° at the time of discharge (p=0.0001). On the other hand, the lateral ligamentous laxity was relatively constant after surgery. The varusvalgus ligament imbalance was significantly improved at the time of discharge (p=0.005).
Conclusion: Our data show a certain amount of varusvalgus ligament imbalance tends to correct spontaneously after total knee arthroplasty.
