Evaluation of 3-Dimensional Profile of Asian Knee

Abstract

Background: Maintaining proper size and rotation of components of total knee arthroplasty is mandatory for optimal longevity. Ethnical differences may affect fitness of the prostheses that were manufactured mainly based on Caucasian dimensions. This review aimed to evaluate 3- dimensional characteristics of distal femur and proximal tibia among Asian populations. Moreover rotational profile of distal femur was also assessed. Methods: Databases were searched and relevant studies were selected. Including criteria were: studies on Asian populations, studies on morphological and rotational characteristics of the knee joint and prostheses. Finally 21 studies were selected. Results: Based on the studies male subjects enjoy larger dimensions, while total configuration is proportionately similar to female at axial section. Some other studies in white populations or Asian populations found significant discrepancies among genders. Also it was indicated as anteroposterior size grows, aspect ratio shows downward inclination in both genders and in studied prostheses for Asian populations. In contrast to western Caucasian knees, there are some parameters in the Asian knees which decrease upon increasing the other parameters and the size of the knee. Finally females enjoyed greater value of these rotational values in majority of the studies. Conclusion: Generally, it can be said that assumption of smaller knee in Asian relative to white population is more accurate on femoral side while tibial dimensions share more homogenous profiles.