Effects of Ligament Balance on Kinematics

Just as physiological ligament balance is essential for normal knee kinematics, it is widely recognized that ligament balance significantly influences knee kinematics following TKA. Several approaches are currently used to evaluate ligament balance intraoperatively and postoperatively. These include assessing extension-flexion gap balance, mediolateral gap balance, and postoperative mediolateral and anteroposterior laxity. The effects of ligament balance on knee kinematics have been investigated under various conditions using a range of tools and techniques. These include navigation systems, tensors, shape-matching techniques, stress X-rays, and arthrometers. Previous studies employing these methods highlight the importance of understanding how ligament balance affects knee kinematics after TKA.