Flexion-extension gaps balanced using navigation assistance in TKA.

This study evaluated the accuracy of navigation for balancing soft tissue and flexion-extension gaps in primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We evaluated 112 knees treated with TKA using the gap technique and navigation system. Flexion-extension gaps were measured before femoral cutting (precutting gaps) and before prosthesis insertion (final gaps). Balanced precutting flexion-extension gaps were shown in 45 cases (40.2%), and balanced final flexion-extension gap was achieved in 105 cases (93.8%). Precutting tight extension gaps resulted from preoperative extension lag. We found TKA using the gap technique with navigation to be an effective means of achieving balanced flexion-extension gaps. Copyright 2009, SLACK Incorporated.