title: Soft tissue tension in extension in total knee arthroplasty affects postoperative knee extension and stability.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to assess correlation of soft tissue tension in extension with postoperative extension deficit and valgus/varus instability. Sixty-four osteoarthritic knees that underwent primary total knee arthroplasty were investigated. Soft tissue tension in extension was measured during operation with a balancer/tensor device. Extension deficit was measured, and valgus/varus laxity was assessed by stress radiographs in extension and 30 degrees -flexion 1 year after operation. The extension deficit became larger with an increase of soft tissue tension a year after operation. (P < 0.05) The varus laxity in extension and 30 degrees -flexion and valgus laxity in 30 degrees -flexion became smaller with an increase of soft tissue tension (P < 0.05). Our results demonstrated that soft tissue tension during operation affects postoperative knee extension and stability.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Yushima 1-5-45, Bunkyouku, Tokyo, [corrected] Japan. h-asano@mtg.biglobe.ne.jp
authors.forename: Hiroshi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Asano
authors.forename: Takeshi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Muneta
authors.forename: Ichiro
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Sekiya