Evaluation of Optimal Soft Tissue Tension in Total Knee Replacement

From January 1991 to December 1992, 82 total knee replacements (MG II) were performed in 64 osteoarthritis patients in our hospital. Of these, we were able to follow 45 knees in 37 patients for more than 6 months. The mean age was 71.2 years (range 59 to 85 years). The follow-up period ranged from 6 to 29 months (mean 12.6 months). Clinical results were evaluated using the J. O. A. rating score of OA knee and stress radiography. Postoperative range of motion correlated with preoperative flexion (r=0.524, p<0.01), medial joint laxity (r=0.298, p<0.05) and total antero-posterior laxity (r=0.631, p<0.01). We considered that soft tissue balancing which allows medial joint laxity of about 5mm is appropriate not only to achieve satisfactory range of motion but also to maintain stability after total knee replacement.