Abstract
Introduction: The epicondylar axis is often cited as a guide to rotation of the femoral component in total knee arthroplasty. Our aimwas to accurately identify with digital palpation, the epicondyles in 14 cadaveric knees Method: Each cadaveric knee had a midline parapatellar approautil ch and the patella was everted. The epicondyles where palpated and the position of the epicondyles was marked by inserting a pin in each epicondyle. All cadavers had a CT scan to identify the position of the epicondyles and pins. The angular difference was calculated with computer-guided measurements. Results: Of the seven right knees, þve had perfect epicondylar identiþcation, whilst two had inaccurate placement of pins. In both cases of error the medial epicondyle had a sulcus conþguration as opposed to a prominent ridge. This resulted in internal rotation of 2 degrees and 3 degrees. Of the seven left knees, þve had perfect epicondylar identiþcation, whilst two had inaccurate pin placement. In both cases this was inaccurate placement of the medial epicondylar pin in a sulcus conþguration. In both this resulted in extra external rotation of the component to 6 degrees. Overall four out of 14 knees had inaccurate placement and in each the medial epicondyle had a sulcus conþguration.
Theses abstracts were prepared by Professor Dr. Frantz Langlais. Correspondence should be addressed to him at EFORT Central Office, Freihofstrasse 22, CH-8700 Küsnacht, Switzerland.
