Extract
The success of total knee arthroplasty has been shown to depend on the
attainment of appropriate limb alignment with balanced flexion and extension
gaps (Figs. 1-A and
1-B)1-3.
While several techniques can be used to accomplish these goals, the technique
of measured resection is widely
accepted4. Simply
stated, this technique involves resection of the amount of bone that will be
replaced by metal and polyethylene (Figs.
2-A and 2-B). The technique fosters the reestablishment of the
joint line, not only distally but also posteriorly, and thus reestablishes
appropriate posterior femoral offset. With respect to the tibia, it is not
only the coronal alignment that affects the results of the arthroplasty; the
sagittal alignment (the degree of posterior slope) also has a substantial
effect on the flexion and extension
gaps5-11.