Total knee replacements are implanted using either Mechanical Axis (MA) or Kinematic alignment (KA). Historically, most knee replacements were done using the mechanical approach. Using this method, every patient has their knee cut at the same angle which effectively makes every patients knee perfectly straight. We know that not every patient has perfectly straight knees. Many patients are varus (bow-legged), and some are valgus (knock-kneed). The ligaments, soft tissues, and patella are used to functioning in these preexisting angles. We now know that cutting every patients knees perfectly straight can cause some to be left with continued pain and swelling after replacement.

      After decades of research, we have started to transition over to Kinematically aligned knee replacements. The knee replacement is inserted in the exact position that matches the position of the native knee before the patient developed arthritis. This alignment makes for a more custom and comfortable knee replacement.

      Dr. Almaguer uses this patient specific approach so each patient gets a truly customizable knee replacement that matches their individual anatomy.