Genu Recurvatum in total knee arthroplasty

INTRODUCTION: Genu recurvatum is a deformity rarely seen in patients receiving total knee arthroplasty. This deformity is defined as hyperextension of the knee greater than 5 degrees. The incidence of recurvatum has been cited in the literature as less than 1% (1-4). Our experience with computer navigation suggests it is much higher. There is not a good test available that can easily and quickly be implemented in the clinical setting to measure this deformity accurately. The physician does a range of motion measurement during the routine physical exam in the office. The range of motion assessment is carried out without using any type of measuring devise. The purpose of this study was to report data on 1201 consecutive total knee replacements with navigation to demonstrate that the incidence of genu recurvatum is higher than what is cited in the literature.