Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42117213›Full record

SynthesisOrthopaedic surgery2026

What Are the Optimal Sagittal Alignments in Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Guoqing Li, Yong Huang, Wang Deng, Ji Zhang

Abstract readSystematic ReviewMeta-Analysis
In one paragraph

Synthesis in Orthopaedic surgery, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Guoqing LiDepartment of Orthopedics, National Center for Orthopaedics, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8956-5926
Yong HuangDepartment of Orthopedics, National Center for Orthopaedics, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4099-6984
Wang DengDepartment of Orthopedics, National Center for Orthopaedics, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2848-9237
Ji ZhangDepartment of Orthopedics, National Center for Orthopaedics, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6081-1185

Funding

Beijing Jishuitan Hospital Youcai Plan JSTYC202402Beijing Jishuitan Research Funding HL202402Beijing Natural Science Foundation L222063Beijing Natural Science Foundation L232062National Natural Science Foundation of China 82402789
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

objectiveTotal knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a well-established intervention for end-stage osteoarthritis (OA), offering substantial pain relief and functional improvement. However, a considerable proportion of patients remain dissatisfied postoperatively due to multifactorial causes. While numerous studies have investigated implant alignment, the sagittal plane alignment has received comparatively less attention, and its clinical relevance remains controversial. This systematic review aims to identify the optimal sagittal alignment (SA) parameters in TKA and to evaluate their impact on clinical outcomes.

methodsA comprehensive literature search was conducted across four databases (PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science) from their inception to April 1, 2025. Studies focusing on SA after primary TKA were considered. Articles meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria were subjected to meta-analysis. The SA parameters assessed included tibial slope, posterior condylar offset, tibial and femoral component angles, femoral bowing angle, and tibiofemoral alignment.

resultsThe search yielded 1414 articles, after removing duplicates, of which 30 studies met the final inclusion criteria. The review confirmed that SA plays a critical role in postoperative outcomes. Malalignment in the sagittal plane was associated with complications such as instability, hyperextension, and impaired functional recovery. In particular, deviations in tibial slope and femoral bowing angle significantly influenced overall limb alignment and joint mechanics. Although achieving proper SA appears to reduce complications and improve functional outcomes, no universally accepted target values have yet been established.

conclusionBased on current evidence, achieving optimal SA during the perioperative period is essential for improving prosthesis longevity and patient satisfaction following primary TKA. Surgeons should pay close attention to SA parameters, and the use of emerging technologies is encouraged to enhance precision in component positioning.

trial registrationPROSPERO Registration: CRD42023471336.

Indexed as

Arthroplasty, Replacement, KneeBone MalalignmentOsteoarthritis, KneeHumansmeta‐analysisosteoarthritissagittal alignmentstotal knee arthroplasty

Identifiers

PMID42117213
PMCPMC13238853

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.