Mechanical Versus Kinematic Alignment in Total Knee Arthroplasty: Relationship Between Postoperative Alignment and Short-Term Functional Outcomes

Background/Objectives: Mechanical alignment (MA) has traditionally been the reference alignment strategy in total knee arthroplasty (TKA), whereas kinematic alignment (KA) has emerged as an individualized alternative intended to approximate patient-specific knee anatomy. However, the relationship between postoperative mechanical-axis alignment and functional recovery remains incompletely understood. This study aimed to compare short-term functional outcomes and postoperative mechanical-axis alignment between MA and KA following primary TKA and to investigate the relationship between measured postoperative alignment parameters and functional outcomes.