VERSION OF THE OSTEOARTHRITIC KNEE

Version of normal and osteoarthritic knees is evaluated by computed to mography in this study. Version of the knee is defined as the static r otation of the tibia with respect to the femur in full knee extension. It is measured as the difference between the transverse axes of the f emoral condyles and tibia. The average knee version, or external rotat ion of the tibia with respect to the femur across the normal knee, was 0 degrees. Version of the osteoarthritic knee was 5 degrees. Rotation of the tibia with respect to the femur across the extended osteoarthr itic knee is a relationship that will affect the placement of componen ts in total knee arthroplasty. This relationship should be addressed i n alignment instrumentation and technique to avoid component malalignm ent in total knee arthroplasty.