Kinematic alignment in total knee arthroplasty

Kinematic alignment (KA) is an alternative philosophy for aligning a total knee replacement (TKR) which aims to restore all three kinematic axes of the native knee. Many of the studies on KA have actually described non-KA techniques, which has led to much confusion about what actually fits the definition of KA. Alignment should only be measured using three-dimensional cross-sectional imaging. Many of the studies looking at the influence of implants/limb alignment on total knee arthroplasty outcomes are of limited value because of the use of two-dimensional imaging to measure alignment, potentially leading to inaccuracy. No studies have shown KA to be associated with higher complication rates or with worse implant survival; and the clinical outcomes following KA tend to be at least as good as mechanical alignment. Further high-quality multi-centre randomized controlled trials are needed to establish whether KA provides better function and without adversely impacting implant survival. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2020;5:380-390. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.5.200010