The Immediate Post-Operative Radiograph is an Unreliable Measure of Coronal Plane Alignment in Total Knee Replacement

Background: Restoration of a neutral mechanical axis is a primary goal of total knee replacement (TKR). A mechanical axis within 3° of neutral has been correlated with improved implant longevity, function, and patient satisfaction. We hypothesize that the immediate post-operative radiograph is an unreliable method of measuring alignment following TKR surgery.