Knee joint degeneration (osteoarthritis) presents with pain, caused by bony wear. In order to
relieve the patients’ complaints and when non-surgical methods do not suffice, a surgical
approach can be considered: a total knee prosthesis (TKP). However, the surgery can modify the
tension in the multiple ligaments around the knee joint. Correct TKP alignment is achieved with operative devices. Ligament tension, however, is subjectively evaluated by the surgeon certain
positions.
TKP surgery is frequently performed. Yet, a large dissatisfaction rate is seen in patients (up to
20%). We aim to ultimately reduce this dissatisfaction rate by improving understanding of the
ligamentous influence after a TKP. Implant positioning and its effect on patient satisfaction is
thoroughly studied in current literature. In contrast, full knowledge of the role of knee ligaments
after TKP on patient outcomes is lacking.
The ligamentous properties can be obtained by submitting the knee joint to forces in multiple
directions. The displacement of the thigh bone and the shinbone reflects how certain ligaments
are tensioned. Therefore, we need to develop a standardized system to apply these forces and
determine the relation between the ligamentous properties and postoperatively obtained patient
outcomes. Secondly, the subjective assessment of ligament tension by the surgeon will be
evaluated in comparison to a robotic system, capable of applying external forces during a full
flexion-extension cycle.