KINEMATIC ALIGNMENT METHOD PRODUCES INCREASE IN PATELLOFEMORAL AND TIBIOFEMORAL CONTACT STRESSES

ObjectiveKinematically aligned total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is of increasing interest because this method may improve patient satisfaction. However, the biomechanics of kinematically aligned TKA remain largely unknown. Therefore, we analyzed whether the kinematic alignment method cause to increase the contact force on patellofemoral and tibiofemoral joints.MethodsA musculoskeletal computer simulation was used to determine the effects of kinematically or mechanically aligned TKA. Patellofemoral and tibiofemoral contact forces were examined for a mechanically aligned model and a kinematically aligned model using finite element analysis.ResultsThe peak contact stress on the patellofemoral joint in the kinematically aligned model was greater than that in the mechanically aligned model at 30° and 60°. Maximum peak contact stress was found at 30° flexion in the kinematically aligned model (73 MPa) and this was 221% higher than the stress in the mechanically aligned model (33 MPa). Similarly, peak contact stres...