A study of weight transmission through the knee joint with applied varus and valgus loads.

An electromechanical device is described which permits measurement of the amount of weight borne on each compartment of the knee during varying amounts of lateral angulation. A lateral angulation of only 3 degrees in either direction completely unloaded the opposite condyle. The correction to be obtained by tibial osteotomy of varus or valgus knee deformity should permit the mechanical axis of the extremity to pass the tibial spines on the side opposite the deformity. An angular deviation of 3 degrees more than that required to restore the mechanical axis to normal position is sufficient.