Correcting severe valgus deformity: taking out the knock

• Published in: Journal of bone and joint surgery. British volume Vol. 99-B; no. 1 Supple A; pp. 60 - 64
• Main Authors: Lange, J, Haas, S B
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England British Editorial Society of Bone & Joint Surgery 01.01.2017
• Subjects: Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee - methods; Femur - surgery; Humans; Joint Deformities, Acquired - surgery; Joint surgery; Knee Joint - surgery; Knee Prosthesis; Osteoarthritis, Knee - surgery; Osteotomy - methods; Prosthesis Design; Prosthesis Failure - etiology; Surgeons; Tibia - surgery; Valgus deformity; Total knee arthroplasty
• ISSN: 2049-4394; 2049-4408
• DOI: 10.1302/0301-620X.99B1.BJJ-2016-0340.R1

Valgus knee deformity can present a number of unique surgical challenges for the total knee arthroplasty (TKA) surgeon. Understanding the typical patterns of bone and soft-tissue pathology in the valgus arthritic knee is critical for appropriate surgical planning. This review aims to provide the knee arthroplasty surgeon with an understanding of surgical management strategies for the treatment of valgus knee arthritis. Lateral femoral and tibial deficiencies, contracted lateral soft tissues, attenuated medial soft tissues, and multiplanar deformities may all be present in the valgus arthritic knee. A number of classifications have been reported in order to guide surgical management, and a variety of surgical strategies have been described with satisfactory clinical results. Depending on the severity of the deformity, a variety of TKA implant designs may be appropriate for use. Regardless of an operating surgeon's preferred surgical strategy, adherence to a step-wise approach to deformity correction is advised. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B(1 Supple A):60-4.