title: Surgical technique: Computer-assisted sliding medial condylar osteotomy to achieve gap balance in varus knees during TKA.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Extensive posteromedial release to correct severe varus deformity during TKA may result in mediolateral or flexion instability and may require a constrained implant. We describe a technique combining computer navigation and medial condylar osteotomy in severe varus deformity to achieve a primary goal of ligament balance during TKA.
  
  
  METHODS
  The goal of this procedure was to achieve mediolateral gap balance in varus knees with rigid, recalcitrant medial contracture, with or without excessive lateral laxity, not amenable to extensive medial soft tissue releases. A sliding medial condylar osteotomy (SMCO) was performed under navigation guidance and the condylar block internally fixed using cancellous screws.
  
  
  METHODS
  We prospectively evaluated mediolateral laxity, Knee Society scores, and knee ROM after SMCO in 12 varus arthritic knees in 11 patients (five men, six women) undergoing TKA with a minimum followup of 2 years (mean, 2 years; range, 2-2.5 years).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The degree of mediolateral knee laxity improved from Grade 2 (in four knees) and Grade 3 (in eight knees) preoperatively to Grade 1 (< 5 mm) in all knees at last followup. Mean Knee Society score improved from 30 (range, 10-54) to 92 (range, 86-100). Mean knee flexion improved from 106° (range, 90°-120°) to 112° (range, 100°-124°), and no knee had any extensor lag or residual flexion deformity (> 5°). Three knees had asymptomatic fibrous union at the osteotomy site.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Computer-assisted SMCO in varus knees with recalcitrant medial contracture achieves improved mediolateral stability and knee function after TKA. Our technique uses navigation to accurately reposition the medial condylar block to equalize medial and lateral gaps, thereby ensuring a stable well-aligned knee without deploying constrained implants.
authors.affiliation: The Arthritis Clinic, 101, Cornelian, Kemp's Corner, Cumballa Hill, Mumbai, 400036, India. arunmullaji@gmail.com
authors.forename: Arun B
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: Mullaji
authors.forename: Gautam M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Shetty
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001168:Arthritis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D019645:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010027:Osteotomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D011859:Radiography; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted / Q000009:adverse effects; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome