Many total knee arthroplasty (TKA) implants are designed to facilitate a medial pivot kinematic pattern. The purpose of this study was to determine whether intraoperative medial pivot kinematic patterns are associated with improved patient outcomes.
A retrospective review of consecutive primary TKAs was performed. Sensor-embedded tibial trials determined kinematic patterns intraoperatively. The center of rotation (COR) was identified from 0° to 90° and from 0° to terminal flexion, and designated medial-pivot or non-medial pivot based on accepted criteria. Patient-reported outcomes were measured preoperatively and at minimum one-year follow-up.
The analysis cohort consisted of 141 TKAs. Mean age and median BMI were 63.7 years and 33.8 kg/m
A medial pivot pattern may not significantly govern clinical success after TKA based on intraoperative kinematics and modern outcome measures. Further research is warranted to determine if a particular kinematic pattern promotes optimal clinical outcomes.