The accuracy of tibial intramedullary alignment devices in total knee arthroplasty.

The accuracy of a tibial medullary alignment device is assessed radiographically in 30 varus and 30 valgus knees undergoing total knee arthroplasty. The results suggest that although the device is reliable and accurate for varus knees, it may lead to malalignment of up to 5 degrees in valgus knees. Overall neutral alignment was achieved in 83% of the varus knees and 37% of the valgus knees. Tibial bowing was the main source of error and was present in 66% of the valgus knees, with mean of 3 degrees. Preoperative long films or cross-checking with external alignment devices is recommended to assure neutral alignment in genu valgus deformity.