Clinical results in valgus total knee arthroplasty with the "pie crust" technique of lateral soft tissue releases

Numerous methods for creating symmetric flexion and extension gaps during knee arthroplasty in valgus knees have been proposed, and no consensus exists about the optimal technique. The "pie crust" technique for lateral soft tissue releases has been used extensively, yet few clinical results have been published. In this study, the clinical outcomes of 24 consecutive knees in 24 patients in whom this method was used in conjunction with a cemented posterior-stabilized prosthesis were evaluated. At a mean of 54 months' (range 24-69 months) follow-up, the knees were performing well with a mean Knee Society score of 97 (range 87-100) and mean range of motion of 121 degrees (range 100 degrees -145 degrees). Importantly, there were no clinical failures or cases of postoperative instability and no cases of radiographic loosening or wear.