Abstract
Biomechanical alignment of the knee is a major determinant in the outcome of Total Knee Arthroplasty. However, the best method to assess the alignment is yet undecided. Conventional methods use hip to ankle “long” standing x-rays but these suffer from technical difficulties and hence are a potential for error. Short x-rays are considered to have doubtful accuracy.
This study aimed to assess if the “short” AP x-rays could be used to assess the lower limb axis within a range of statistically insignificant and clinically acceptable difference.
The results indicate the readings from the short x-rays were not statistically different from those obtained from the long x-rays in four sets of observations. The largest difference between any two readings was 0.68 degrees. The analysis of data showed that the measurements from the short x-rays could indeed be used to assess the long axis of the lower limb with the provison that there is no gross femoral shaft deformity.
The abstracts were prepared by Nico Verdonschot. Correspondence should be addressed to him at Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, University Medical Centre, PO Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
