What is a varus implant?

A varus implant is defined as one that is not positioned in the center of the canal during implantation. In the context of arthroplasty, proper alignment and positioning of the implant are crucial for ensuring optimal function and longevity of the joint replacement. When an implant is described as being in varus, it typically indicates that there is an inward angulation toward the midline of the body, which can affect the mechanics of the joint and potentially lead to complications.

In contrast to a properly aligned implant, a varus implant may place additional stresses on particular areas of the bone and surrounding soft tissue, which could result in uneven wear, instability, or dissatisfaction with the surgical outcome. The knowledge of implant positioning is critical for orthopedic surgeons to ensure that each patient receives the appropriate implant placement for their unique anatomical and functional needs.