The meta‐ analysis showed that GB techniques result ed in statistically significant improvements in the restoration of mechanical and rotational alignment and mean Knee Society Scores and Knee Society Function scores two years post‐operatively , but result ed in greater elevation of the position of the joint line .
There is no significant difference in the other radiographic data .
Conclusion This study suggests that GB may provide better radiographic and clinical outcomes than MR when used to determine mechanical rotation in TKAs
Aims There are two techniques widely used to determine the rotational alignment of the components in total knee arthroplasty ( TKA ) ;  gap balancing ( GB ) and measured resection ( MR ) .
Which technique is the best remains controversial .
We aim ed to investigate this in a systematic review and meta‐ analysis .
Comparison between two computer-assisted total knee arthroplasty: gap-balancing versus measured resection technique
Two surgical strategies are possible in total knee arthroplasty ( TKA ) : a measured resection technique , in which bone l and marks are used to guide resections equal to the distal and posterior thickness of the femoral component , or a gap-balancing approach , in which equal collateral ligament tension in flexion and extension is sought before and as a guide to final bone cuts . In this study performed with computer assisted system , we compared the 2 different methods in 126 patients followed prospect ively in order to analyze the effect of both the techniques on joint-line ( JL ) maintenance , axial limb restoration and components position . The gap technique showed a statistical increase in the post-operative value when compared with the measured resection technique , ( P = 0.008 ) . When comparing the two groups regarding to the pre-operative deformity , we have found a statistical difference ( P = 0.001 ) in case of moderate pre-operative deformity ( less than 10 ° ) , and the measured resection technique showed a slight superiority in preserving a joint line more faithful to the pre-operative . We found an ideal alignment for the mechanical axis ( 180 ° ± 3 ° ) ( 95 % of cases ) . In six cases ( 5 % ) , the mean post-operative value exceeded ( varus or valgus ) the ideal value by more than 3 ° . In the frontal plane , a good alignment was observed for both femoral and tibial components without a significant difference between the two techniques . In the sagittal plane was found more alignment variability due to the different implants used and their ideal starting slope , from 7 ° to 3 ° . Finally , the surgeon can use the approach with which he has more confidence ; however , as the measured resection technique causes less reduction in the post-operative joint-line position , in case of shortening of patellar tendon or patella infera , this technique is preferable
The meta‐ analysis showed that GB techniques result ed in statistically significant improvements in the restoration of mechanical and rotational alignment and mean Knee Society Scores and Knee Society Function scores two years post‐operatively , but result ed in greater elevation of the position of the joint line .
There is no significant difference in the other radiographic data .
Conclusion This study suggests that GB may provide better radiographic and clinical outcomes than MR when used to determine mechanical rotation in TKAs
Aims There are two techniques widely used to determine the rotational alignment of the components in total knee arthroplasty ( TKA ) ;  gap balancing ( GB ) and measured resection ( MR ) .
Which technique is the best remains controversial .
We aim ed to investigate this in a systematic review and meta‐ analysis .