Less valgus alignment in total knee arthroplasty for the varus knee

For the valgus group (55 knees), average pre-op tibial femoral alignment was 7.5° (range 2°-24°) valgus. Average post-op tibial femoral alignment was 3.8° (range 1°-10°) valgus. Average pre-op knee score was 107 and post-op was 182 at minimum of 2 years. The authors agree with aiming for valgus alignment for the classic valgus leg (mechanical axis centered on hip, knee, ankle) and less valgus alignment for the varus knee (mechanical axis into the medial compartment). Following the patients anatomy eliminates the need for major soft tissue releases while still avoiding “malalignment”. No special soft tissue releases were required in any patient with pre-op varus or valgus alignment. The clinical outcome is not effected by leaving pre-op varus aligned extremities in less valgus with their TKA's.