Aim. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of three-dimensional (3D) simulation with 3D planning software ZedKnee® (ZK) in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Materials and methods. The participants in this study were all TKA patients whose operations were simulated by using ZK. The alignment of all components was evaluated with the ZK valuation software in postoperative computer tomography. Thirty patients (43 knees) met the inclusion criteria. 6 patients were male and 24 patients were female. The mean age of the 30 patients was 72 years old. Diagnoses for surgery were: osteoarthritis- 40 knees, rheumatoid arthritis- 2 knees and osteonecrosis- 1 knee. TKA was performed using the measured resection technique. The distal femur axis where the intramedullary rod would be inserted was drawn manually on the 3D image. Then, the angle between the distal femoral axis and the mechanical axis was measured. The rotational angles of the femoral components were determined from the automatically calculated angle between the posterior condylar axis and the surgical epicondylar axis (SEA) by using ZK. The ZK data used during the operation was the posterior condylar angle, the angle between the distal femoral axis and the mechanical axis and implant size. Results. The angle in coronal plane between the 3D mechanical axis and the distal femoral axis in preoperative planning ranged between 3 degrees and 11 degrees, mean 6.7 (SD 2.2) degrees. The postoperative femoral component alignment was on average 0.7 (SD 1.3) degrees in varus. Outlier of more than 3 degrees in coronal alignment was recognized in 3 cases (7%). The mean posterior condylar angle in preoperative planning was 3.8 (SD 1) degrees. The postoperative femoral component alignment was on average 1.5 (SD 1.6) degrees in external rotation to surgical epicondylar axis. Outlier of more than 3 degrees in rotational alignment was recognized in 6 cases (14%). The concordance rate between the preoperative planning size and the intraoperative selective size was 91%. Discussion. Some errors may be observed in the preoperative TKA X-ray planning, because of the rotational position of the femur while having the X-ray taken or angle of the X-ray beam. Kanekasu et al reported the measurement of the condylar twist angle during the X-ray and it was relatively correct compared with the measurement during CT. Max 1.9 degrees error occurred in the measurements using X-rays. It appeared that preoperative planning using CTs was more accurate than using X-rays. Conclusion. Femoral components with 3D simulation using ZK were fixed perpendicularly against the mechanical axis and parallel to the surgical epicondylar axis with high accuracy. We considered that the ZK 3D simulation in TKA is useful for the accurate alignment of femoral components

Introduction: There is an increased risk of revision for aseptic loosening with a transgluteal approach as described in the Swedish Hip Register. Femoral component malpositioning is itself associated with a poor outcome. A cuff of posteriorly situated glutei during the direct lateral approach may result in levering the proximal stem anteriorly and the tip of the stem posteriorly and does not allow the entry point of the stem to be placed posteriorly at the level of neck resection resulting in possible malpositioning. The purpose of this study was to determine whether there is a significant difference in femoral component alignment when the posterior and direct lateral approaches are compared. Materials and methods: Forty patients underwent an direct lateral approach and forty a posterior approach (n = 80). Inclusion criteria included primary hip arthroplasty using a cemented Exeter femoral component. At 6 weeks a standard AP and a modified lateral radiograph were taken. Measurements were taken from digitized radiographs as follows:. 1. AP radiograph. A Tip of stem to outer medial cortex. B Tip of stem to outer lateral cortex. 2. Lateral radiograph. C Tip of stem to anterior outer cortex. D Tip of stem to posterior outer cortex. Component alignment was defined as A – B and C – D. Results: A–B was 0.71 for the modified direct lateral approach and 2.56 for the posterior approach. C–D was 1.47 for the direct lateral approach and 1.21 for the posterior approach. This difference was not statistically different using paired t tests as p > 0.05(P=0.69) for lateral views measurements. Discussion: This study demonstrates that there is no significant difference between direct lateral and posterior approaches as far as femoral component alignment is concerned. The increased revision rate noted by the Swedish Hip Register when a transgluteal approach is likely to be multifactorial, but not likely to be due to femoral component malalignment

Introduction: There is an increased risk of revision for aseptic loosening with a transgluteal approach as described in the Swedish Hip Register. Femoral component malpositioning is itself associated with a poor outcome. A cuff of posteriorly situated glutei during the direct lateral approach may result in levering the proximal stem anteriorly and the tip of the stem posteriorly and does not allow the entry point of the stem to be placed posteriorly at the level of neck resection resulting in possible malpositioning. The purpose of this study was to determine whether there is a significant difference in femoral component alignment when the posterior and direct lateral approaches are compared. Materials and methods: Forty patients underwent a direct lateral approach and forty a posterior approach (n = 80). Inclusion criteria included primary hip arthroplasty using a cemented Exeter femoral component. At 6 weeks a standard AP and a modified lateral radiograph were taken. Measurements were taken from digitized radiographs as follows:. AP radiograph. Tip of stem to outer medial cortex. Tip of stem to outer lateral cortex. Lateral radiograph. C Tip of stem to anterior outer cortex. D Tip of stem to posterior outer cortex. Component alignment was defined as A – B and C – D. Results: A–B was 0.71 for the modified direct lateral approach and 2.56 for the posterior approach. C–D was 1.47 for the direct lateral approach and 1.21 for the posterior approach. This difference was not statistically different using paired t tests as p > 0.05(P=0.69) for lateral views measurements. Discussion: This study demonstrates that there is no significant difference between direct lateral and posterior approaches as far as femoral component alignment is concerned. The increased revision rate noted by the Swedish Hip Register when a transgluteal approach is likely to be multifactorial, but not likely to be due to femoral component malalignment

Purpose:. The use of computer navigation has been shown to improve the accuracy of femoral component placement compared to conventional instrumentation in hip resurfacing. Whether exposure to computer navigation improves accuracy when the procedure is subsequently performed with conventional instrumentation without navigation has not been explored. We examinedwhether femoral component alignment utilizing a conventional jig improves following experience with the use of imageless computer navigation for hip resurfacing. Methods:. Between December 2004 and December 2008, 213 consecutive hip resurfacings were performed by a single surgeon. The first 17 (Cohort 1) and the last 9 (Cohort 2) hip resurfacings were performed using a conventional guidewire alignment jig. In 187 cases the femoral component was implanted using the imageless computer navigation. Cohorts 1 and 2 were compared for femoral component alignment accuracy. Results:. All components in Cohort 2 achieved the position determined by the pre-operative plan. The mean deviation of the stem-shaft angle (SSA) from the pre-operatively planned target position was 2.2 degrees (SD, 2.2°, 95% CI, 0.8°, 3.7°) in Cohort 2 and 5.6 degrees (SD, 4.3°, 95% CI, 3.6°, 7.6°) in Cohort 1 (p = 0.01). Four implants in Cohort 1 were positioned at least 10 degrees varus compared to the target SSA position and another four were retroverted. Conclusions:. Femoral component placement utilizing conventional instrumentation may be more accurate following experience using imageless computer navigation

Introduction

There is many reports about complications with a resurfacing total hip arthroplasty (RHA). One of the most common complications is the femoral neck fracture. A notch and malalignment were risk factors for this. For an accurate implanting the femoral component in RHA, we performed 3D template and made a patient specific template (PST) using 3D printer and applied this technique for a clinical usage. We report a preliminary early result using this novel technique.

Purpose

Proper positioning of the components of a knee prosthesis for obtaining post-operative knee joint alignment is vital to obtain good and long term performance of a knee replacement. Although the reasons for failure of knee arthroplasty have not been studied in depth, the few studies that have been published claim that as much as 25% of knee replacement failures are related to malpositioning or malalignment [x].

The use of patient-matched cutting blocks is a recent development in orthopaedics. In contrast to the standard cutting blocks, they are designed to fit the individual anatomy based on 3D medical images. Thus, landmarks and reference axes can be identified with higher accuracy and precision. Moreover, stable positioning of the blocks with respect to the defined axes is easier to achieve. Both may contribute to better alignment of the components.

The objective of this study was to check the accuracy of femoral component orientation in a cadaver study using specimen-matched cutting blocks in six specimens; first for a bi-compartmental replacement, and then for a tri-compartmental replacement in the same specimen.

The purpose of this study was to measure the radiological parameters of femoral component alignment of the Oxford Phase 3 unicompartmental knee replacement (UKR), and evaluate their effect on clinical outcome. Multiple regression analysis was used to examine the relative contributions of the radiological assessment of femoral component alignment in 189 consecutive UKRs performed by a single surgeon. The American Knee Society scores were compared between groups, defined as being within or outside recommended tolerances of the position of the femoral component. For the flexion/extension position 21 UKRs (11.1%) lay outside the recommended limits, and for posterior overhang of the femoral component nine (4.8%) lay outside the range. The pre-operative hip/knee/ankle (HKA) angle, narrowest canal distance from the distal femoral entry point of the alignment jig and coronal entry-point position had significant effects on the flexion/extension position. Pre-operative HKA angle had a significant influence on posterior overhang of the femoral component. However, there was no significant difference in American Knee Society scores relative to the position of the femoral component

Malpositioning of prosthetic components in TKA may cause clinical relevant complications. This study focuses on a variety of TKA problems that were related to femoral component internal malrotation. Inclusion criteria in this study were all TKA seen at one-year follow-up with a moderate or poor clinical outcome using the Knee Society Score. Reduced mobility, pain, and patella problems were most frequent in this group. Infection, trauma, or wound problems were exclusion criteria. Two different mobile bearing knee systems were utilised in one large centre; LCS (DePuy Int, Leeds, UK) and MBK (Zimmer, Warsaw, USA). From more than 200 LCS and 70 MBK prostheses 27 cases entered the study, all of which underwent spiral CT investigation for evaluation of femoral component rotational alignment. There was an increased incidence of femoral component internal rotation in this group with poor outcome. Mean internal rotation was 4.2 degrees (0 to 8) in relation to the transepicondylar axis. Evaluation of femoral component rotational alignment in TKA has recently gained increased attention. Particularly internal malrotation does often lead to flexion instability, poor biomechanics, and patellofemoral tracking problems with lateral subluxation. It is also associated with painful and stiff knees as recently reported (AAOS 2002, Dallas, USA). In this study early postoperative complications in TKA were also associated with femoral component internal malrotation. We, therefore, recommend CT evaluation of component alignment in clinically doubtful knees. Cases that present with internal malrotation should be considered for revision surgery with the view to revise the femoral and/or tibial component

Aims

This study aimed to identify the tibial component and femoral component coronal angles (TCCAs and FCCAs), which concomitantly are associated with the best outcomes and survivorship in a cohort of fixed-bearing, cemented, medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasties (UKAs). We also investigated the potential two-way interactions between the TCCA and FCCA.

Aims

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of using a portable, accelerometer-based surgical navigation system (KneeAlign2) in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) on the alignment of the femoral component, and blood loss.

The iASSIST system is a portable, accelerometer base with electronic navigation used for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) which guides the surgeon to align and validate bone resection during the surgical procedure. The purpose of this study was to compare the radiological outcome between accelerometer base iASSIST system and the conventional system. Method. A prospective study between two group of 36 patients (50 TKA) of primary osteoarthritis of the knee who underwent TKA using iASSIST ™ or conventional method (25 TKA in each group) from January 2018 to December 2019. A single surgeon performs all operations with the same instrumentation and same surgical approach. Pre-operative and postoperative management protocol are same for both groups. All patients had standardized scanogram (full leg radiogram) performed post operatively to determine mechanical axis of lower limb, femoral and tibial component alignment. Result. There was no significant difference between the 2 groups for Age, Gender, Body mass index, Laterality and Preoperative mechanical axis(p>0.05). There was no difference in proportion of outliers for mechanical axis (p=0.91), Coronal femoral component alignment angle (p=0.08), Coronal tibial component alignment angle (p=1.0). The mean duration of surgery, postoperative drop in Hb, number of blood transfusion didn't show significant difference between 2 groups (p>0.05). Conclusion. Our study concludes that despite being a useful guidance tool during TKA, iASSIST does not show any difference in limb alignment (mechanical axis), Tibial and femoral component alignment when compared with the conventional method

INTRODUCTION. To obtain appropriate joint gap and soft tissue balance, and to correct the lower limb alignment are important factor to achieve success of total knee arthroplasty (TKA). A variety of computer-assisted navigation systems have been developed to implant the component accurately during TKA. Although, the effects of the navigation system on the joint gap and soft tissue balance are unclear. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the influence of accelerometer-based portable navigation system on the intraoperative joint gap and soft tissue balance. METHODS. Between March 2014 and March 2015, 36 consecutive primary TKAs were performed using a mobile-bearing posterior stabilized (PS) TKA (Vanguard RP; Biomet) for varus osteoarthritis. Of the 36 knees, 26 knees using the accelerometer-based portable computer navigation system (KneeAlign2; OrthAlign) (N group), and 10 knees using conventional alignment guide (femur side; intramedullary rod, tibia side; extramedullary guide) (C group). The intraoperative joint gap and soft tissue balance were measured using tensor device throughout a full range of motion (0°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 90°, 120°and full flexion) at 120N of distraction force. The postoperative component coronal alignment was measured with standing anteroposterior hip-to-ankle radiographs. RESULTS. The mean joint gaps at each flexion angle were maintained constant in N group, and there was a tendency of the joint gap at midflexion ranges to increase in C group. The joint gaps at 30°and 45°of flexion angle in C group were significantly larger than that of in N group. The mean soft tissue balance at 0°of flexion was significantly varus in N group than that of in C group. Postoperatively, in N group, the mean femoral component alignment was valgus 0.1°± 1.3°(range, varus 2°- valgus 3°), the mean tibial component alignment was valgus 1.1°± 1.7°(range, varus 1°- valgus 3°) to the coronal mechanical axis. In C group, the mean femoral component alignment was varus 2.3°± 1.9°(range, varus 6°- valgus 1°), the mean tibial component alignment was valgus 2.0°± 1.3°(range, 0°- valgus 5°) to the coronal mechanical axis. There was statistically significant difference in femoral component alignment, there was no statistically significant difference in tibial component alignment. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION. The present study demonstrated that navigation-assisted TKA was prevented the joint gaps from increasing at 30°and 45°of flexion. However, it was difficult to achieve soft tissue balance at extension. In conventional TKA, the femoral component alignment was usually varus. In contrast, accelerometer-based portable navigation system is superior to implant the femoral component accurately. However, there were several cases that femoral component alignment is valgus because of a variation in the accuracy of this navigation system. Surgeons should be aware of difficulty to accomplish all of appropriate joint gap and soft tissue balance, and lower limb alignment in navigation-assisted TKA

Aims. Optimal exposure through the direct anterior approach (DAA) for total hip arthroplasty (THA) conducted on a regular operating theatre table is achieved with a standardized capsular releasing sequence in which the anterior capsule can be preserved or resected. We hypothesized that clinical outcomes and implant positioning would not be different in case a capsular sparing (CS) technique would be compared to capsular resection (CR). Methods. In this prospective trial, 219 hips in 190 patients were randomized to either the CS (n = 104) or CR (n = 115) cohort. In the CS cohort, a medial based anterior flap was created and sutured back in place at the end of the procedure. The anterior capsule was resected in the CR cohort. Primary outcome was defined as the difference in patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) after one year. PROMs (Harris Hip Score (HHS), Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS), and Short Form 36 Item Health Survey (SF-36)) were collected preoperatively and one year postoperatively. Radiological parameters were analyzed to assess implant positioning and implant ingrowth. Adverse events were monitored. Results. At one year, there was no difference in HSS (p = 0.728), HOOS (Activity Daily Life, p = 0.347; Pain, p = 0.982; Quality of Life, p = 0.653; Sport, p = 0.994; Symptom, p = 0.459), or SF-36 (p = 0.338). Acetabular component inclination (p = 0.276) and anteversion (p = 0.392) as well as femoral component alignment (p = 0.351) were similar in both groups. There were no dislocations, readmissions, or reoperations in either group. The incidence of psoas tendinitis was six cases in the CS cohort (6%) and six cases in the CR cohort (5%) (p = 0.631). Conclusion. No clinical differences were found between resection or preservation of the anterior capsule when performing a primary THA through the DAA on a regular theatre table. In case of limited visibility during the learning curve, it might be advisable to resect a part of the anterior capsule. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(2):321–328

INTRODUCTION. Although the most commonly used method of femoral component alignment in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is an intramedullary (IM) guides, this method demonstrated a limited degree of accuracy. The purpose of this study was to assess whether a portable, accelerometer-based surgical navigation system (Knee Align 2 system; Orth Align, Inc, Aliso Viejo, Calif) improve accuracy of the post-operative radiographic femoral component alignment compared to conventional IM alignment guide. MATERIALS & METHODS. Since February 2014, 44 consecutive patients (39 female, 5 male) with primary arthritis of the knee were enrolled in this prospective, randomized controlled study. 24 patients underwent TKA (Vanguard RP or PS, Biomet Japan) using the navigation device for the distal femoral resection (Navigated Group), and 20 patients with conventional femoral IM alignment guide. The proximal tibial resection was performed using an extramedullary guide. All the operation was performed by a single senior surgeon (YK) with the same gap balancing technique except for the use of the navigation system for the femur. Accuracy of femoral implant positioning was evaluated on 2 weeks postoperative standing anteroposterior (AP) hip to ankle radiographs. RESUTS. In the navigated group, 100% of patients had an alignment within 90 ± 3° to the femoral mechanical axis in the coronal plane, versus 90.0% in the IM guides cohort (Fig). The mean absolute difference between the intraoperative goal and the postoperative alignment was 0.79 ± 1.0° in the Knee Align 2 cohort, and 1.72 ± 1.6° in the IM guides cohort (P < 0.05). There was a difference in the standard deviations observed for the navigated cases and the conventional cases when femoral component position was considered. There were no technique specific complications associated with the navigation system. DISCUSSION & CONCLUSION. The distal femoral resection has been the main source of error as for the neutral mechanical axis because of the difficulty in visualization and detection of the center of the femoral head. The results in the current study have shown that a portable, accelerometer-based navigation device (Knee Align 2 system) significantly decreases outliers in femoral component alignment compared to conventional IM alignment guides in TKA

Introduction. Robotics have been applied to total knee arthroplasty (TKA) to improve surgical precision in component placement and joint function restoration. The purpose of this study was to evaluate prosthetic component alignment in robotic arm-assisted (RA)-TKA performed with functional alignment and intraoperative fine-tuning, aiming for symmetric medial and lateral gaps in flexion/extension. It was hypothesized that functionally aligned RA-TKA the femoral and tibial cuts would be performed in line with the preoperative joint line orientation. Methods. Between September 2018 and January 2020, 81 RA cruciate retaining (CR) and posterior stabilized (PS) TKAs were performed at a single center. Preoperative radiographs were obtained, and measures were performed according to Paley's. Preoperatively, cuts were planned based on radiographic epiphyseal anatomies and respecting ±3° boundaries from neutral coronal alignment. Intraoperatively, the tibial and femoral cuts were modified based on the individual soft tissue-guided fine-tuning, aiming for symmetric medial and lateral gaps in flexion/extension. Robotic data were recorded. Results. A total of 56 RA-TKAs performed on varus knees were taken into account. On average, the tibial component was placed at 1.9° varus (SD 0.7) and 3.3° (SD 1.0) in the coronal and sagittal planes, respectively. The average femoral component alignment, based on the soft tissue tensioning with spoons, resulted as follows: 0.7° varus (SD 1.7) in the coronal plane and 1.8° (SD 2.1) of external rotation relative to surgical transepicondylar axis in the transverse plane. A statistically significant linear direct relationship was demonstrated between radiographic epiphyseal femoral and tibial coronal alignment and femoral (r=0.3, p<0.05) and tibial (r=0.3, p<0.01) coronal cuts, resepctively. Conclusion. Functionally aligned RA-TKA performed in varus knees, aiming for ligaments’ preservation and balanced flexion/extension gaps, provided joint line respecting femoral and tibial cuts on the coronal plane

Intramedullary (IM) femoral alignment guide for unicondylar knee arthroplasty (UKA) is a classic and generally accepted technique to treat unicompartmental knee osteoarthritis. However, IM system has a risk of excessive blood loss, fat embolism and activation of coagulation.Moreover, the implant placement and limb alignment may be less accurate in IM for UKA than total knee arthroplasty. So we try to use extramedullary (EM) femoral alignment for UKA to avoid above disadvantages. To our knowledge, few current studies have been reported by now. We reported a series of cases treated through a newly developed EM technique and evaluated the accuracy of femoral component alignment and preliminary clinical results. Between January 2009 and January 2010, 11 consecutive patients(15 knees)consisting of 8 males and 3 females were enrolled. There were 7 cases in unilateral knee and 4 cases in bilateral knees. The mean age was 65.2 years (range 60∼72 years). Incision, surgical time, blood loss and complications were measured. The pre- and post operative function of the knees were evaluated by HSS score system. The pre- and postoperative femoral component alignment was measured and compared. All cases were followed up for average 15 months (10-22 months). The mean length of incision was 7.2cm (range 6 to 8cm), the mean surgical time was 115.0min(range 90 to 125min),the mean blood loss was 50.8ml (range 50 to 80ml). The mean preoperative HSS score increased from 75 (range 63 to 83) to 95 (range 88 to 97) postoperatively (p<0.05). All femoral components were within the recommended range for varus/valgus (±10 degree) and lexion/extension (±5 degree) angle. None had complications associated with reamed canal injury. By using our EM technique, we could achieve an accurate femoral component alignment and satisfactory clinical effect. However, strict comparison between EM and cconventional IM technique and large amount of cases are essential. Further mid- and long-term studies are required

Introduction. Component position and overall limb alignment following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) have been shown to influence prosthetic survivorship and clinical outcomes. 1. The objective of this study was to compare the accuracy to plan of three-dimensional modeled (3D) TKA with manual TKA for component alignment and position. Methods. An open-label prospective clinical study was conducted to compare 3D modeling with manual TKA (non-randomized) at 4 U.S. centers between July 2016 and August 2018. Men and women aged > 18 with body mass index < 40kg/m. 2. scheduled for unilateral primary TKA were recruited for the study. 144 3DTKA and 86 manual TKA (230 patients) were included in the analysis of accuracy outcomes. Seven high-volume, arthroplasty fellowship-trained surgeons performed the surgeries. The surgeon targeted a neutral (0°) mechanical axis for all except 9 patients (4%) for whom the target was within 0°±3°. Computed tomography (CT) scans obtained approximately 6 weeks post-operatively were analyzed using anatomical landmarks to determine femoral and tibial component varus/valgus position, femoral component internal/external rotation, and tibial component posterior slope. Absolute deviation from surgical plan was defined as the absolute value of the difference between the CT measurement and the surgeon's operative plan. Smaller absolute deviation from plan indicated greater accuracy. Mean component positions for manual and 3DTKA groups were compared using two-sample t tests for unequal variances. Differences of absolute deviations from plan were compared using stratified Wilcoxon tests, which controlled for study center and accounted for skewed distributions of the absolute values. Alpha was 0.05 two-sided. At the time of this report, CT measurements of femoral component rotation position referenced from the posterior condylar axis were not yet completed; therefore, the current analysis of femoral component rotation accuracy to plan reflects one center that exclusively used manual instruments referencing the transepicondylar axis (TEA). Results. Coronal positions of the femoral components measured via CT for manual and 3D TKA, respectively, were (mean ± standard deviation) 0.1°±1.6° varus and 0.0°±1.4° varus (p=0.533); positions of the tibial components were 1.9°±2.4° varus and 0.9°±2.0° varus (p=0.002). Positions of external femoral component rotation relative to the TEA were 1.1°±2.3° and 0.5°±2.3°, respectively (p=0.036). Tibial slopes were 3.7°±3.0° and 3.2°±1.8°, respectively (p=0.193). Comparing absolute deviation from plan between groups, 3DTKA demonstrated greater accuracy for tibial component alignment [median (25. th. , 75. th. percentiles) absolute deviation from plan, 1.7° (0.9°, 2.9°) vs. 0.9°(0.4°, 1.9°), p<.001], femoral component rotation [1.4° (0.9°, 2.5°) vs. 0.9° (0.7°, 1.5°), p=0.015], and tibial slope [2.9° (1.5°, 5.0°) vs. 1.1° (0.6°, 2.0°), p<.001] (Table 1). Accuracy for femoral component alignment was comparable [1.0° (0.4°, 1.7°) vs. 0.9° (0.4°, 1.5°), p=0.159] (Table 1). Discussion and Conclusions. Our findings support improved accuracy to the surgical plan utilizing 3DTKA compared with manual TKA. Compared to manual TKA, 3DTKA cases were typically 47% more accurate for tibial component alignment, 62% more accurate for tibial slope, and 36% more accurate for femoral component rotation (calculated as percent reduction of median absolute deviation). The evaluation of femoral component coronal alignment reflected already very good baseline accuracy of the surgeons utilizing the intramedullary femoral guide system (Table 1). As optimal component position in TKA affects joint kinematics and may positively influence implant longevity, it is important for surgeons to maximize the opportunity to direct component positioning. Further clinical data is needed to study potential longer-term benefits of robotic technologies. For figures, tables, or references, please contact authors directly

Background:. Appropriate positioning of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) components is a key concern of surgeons. Post-operative varus alignment has been associated with poorer clinical outcome scores and increased failure rates. However, obtaining neutral alignment can be challenging in cases with significant pre-operative varus deformity. Questions:. 1) In patients with pre-operative varus deformities, does residual post-operative varus limb alignment lead to increased revision rates or poorer outcome scores compared to correction to neutral alignment? 2) Does placing the tibial component in varus alignment lead to increased revision rates and poorer outcome scores? 3) Does femoral component alignment affect revision rates and outcome scores? 4) Do these findings change in patients with at least 10 degrees of varus alignment pre-operatively?. Patients and Methods:. 553 patients undergoing TKA for varus osteoarthritis were identified from a prospective database. Patients were divided into those with residual post-operative varus and those with neutral post-operative alignment. Revision rates and clinical outcome scores were compared between the two groups. Revision rates and outcome scores were also assessed based on post-operative component alignment. The analysis was repeated in a subgroup of patients with at least 10 degrees of pre-operative varus. Results:. At a mean follow-up of 5.7 years (range: 2 to 19.8 years), residual varus deformity did not yield significantly increased revision rates or poorer outcome scores. Varus tibial component alignment and valgus femoral component alignment were associated with poorer outcome scores. Results were similar in the significant varus subgroup. Conclusions:. Residual post-operative varus deformity after TKA does not yield poorer clinical results in patients with pre-operative varus deformities, providing tibial component varus is avoided

Objectives. Malrotation of the femoral component can result in post-operative complications in total knee arthroplasty (TKA), including patellar maltracking. Therefore, we used computational simulation to investigate the influence of femoral malrotation on contact stresses on the polyethylene (PE) insert and on the patellar button as well as on the forces on the collateral ligaments. Materials and Methods. Validated finite element (FE) models, for internal and external malrotations from 0° to 10° with regard to the neutral position, were developed to evaluate the effect of malrotation on the femoral component in TKA. Femoral malrotation in TKA on the knee joint was simulated in walking stance-phase gait and squat loading conditions. Results. Contact stress on the medial side of the PE insert increased with internal femoral malrotation and decreased with external femoral malrotation in both stance-phase gait and squat loading conditions. There was an opposite trend in the lateral side of the PE insert case. Contact stress on the patellar button increased with internal femoral malrotation and decreased with external femoral malrotation in both stance-phase gait and squat loading conditions. In particular, contact stress on the patellar button increased by 98% with internal malrotation of 10° in the squat loading condition. The force on the medial collateral ligament (MCL) and the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) increased with internal and external femoral malrotations, respectively. Conclusions. These findings provide support for orthopaedic surgeons to determine a more accurate femoral component alignment in order to reduce post-operative PE problems. Cite this article: K-T. Kang, Y-G. Koh, J. Son, O-R. Kwon, C. Baek, S. H. Jung, K. K. Park. Measuring the effect of femoral malrotation on knee joint biomechanics for total knee arthroplasty using computational simulation. Bone Joint Res 2016;5:552–559. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.511.BJR-2016-0107.R1

Introduction: It has been suggested that femoral component alignment in the coronal plane affects the risk of sustaining femoral neck fracture following hip resurfacing. Previous literature suggests that increasing the stem shaft angle to an extreme valgus position produces the most favourable biomechanical properties following femoral component insertion. We examined the effects of femoral component alignment during hip resurfacing on proximal femur strength. Methods: 3. rd. generation composite femurs shown to replicate biomechanical properties of human bone were used. The bones were secured in a position of single leg stance and tested with an Instron mechanical tester. Imageless computer navigation was used to position the guide wire during femoral head preparation. Specimens were placed in 115, 125 and 135 degrees of stem shaft angulation. No notching was made in the femoral neck during head preparation. The femoral components were cemented in place. Radiographs were taken ensuring that stem shaft angles were correct. Specimens were loaded to failure in the axial direction. Results: A component position of 115 degrees compared to 125 degrees reduced load to failure from 5475N to 3198N (p=0.009). A position of 135 degrees (5713N) compared to 125 degrees (5475N) did not significantly alter the load to failure (p=0.347). Component positioning at a stem shaft angle below 125 degrees resulted in a significant reduction in strength of the proximal femur. Placement of the component at 115 degrees reduced the load to failure by 42%. Discussion: Our findings suggest that a varus orientation may be at risk for causing femoral neck fracture. The advantages of increasing valgus angle beyond 125 degrees may not provide as much reduction in the incidence of femoral neck fracture as previously suggested, particularly when considering the inherent risk of femoral neck notching in these positions

Aims. The purpose of this multicentre observational study was to investigate the association between intraoperative component positioning and soft-tissue balancing on short-term clinical outcomes in patients undergoing robotic-arm assisted unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). Patients and Methods. Between 2013 and 2016, 363 patients (395 knees) underwent robotic-arm assisted UKAs at two centres. Pre- and postoperatively, patients were administered Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Score (KOOS) and Forgotten Joint Score-12 (FJS-12). Results were stratified as “good” and “bad” if KOOS/FJS-12 were more than or equal to 80. Intraoperative, post-implantation robotic data relative to CT-based components placement were collected and classified. Postoperative complications were recorded. Results. Following exclusions and losses to follow-up, 334 medial robotic-arm assisted UKAs were assessed at a mean follow-up of 30.0 months (8.0 to 54.9). None of the measured parameters were associated with overall KOOS outcome. Correlations were described between specific KOOS subscales and intraoperative, post-implantation robotic data, and between FJS-12 and femoral component sagittal alignment. Three UKAs were revised, resulting in 99.0% survival at two years (95% confidence interval (CI) 97.9 to 100.0). Conclusion. Although little correlation was found between intraoperative robotic data and overall clinical outcome, surgeons should consider information regarding 3D component placement and soft-tissue balancing to improve patient satisfaction. Reproducible and precise placement of components has been confirmed as essential for satisfactory clinical outcome. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:435–442

Purpose. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between the angles made by the reference axes on the computerized tomography (CT) images and comparison of the knee alignment between healthy young adults and patients who is scheduled to have total knee arthroplasty. Materials and Methods. This study was conducted in 102 patients with osteoarthritis of knee joint who underwent preoperative computerized tomography (CT). The control group included 50 patients having no arthritis who underwent CT of knee. Axial CT image of the distal femur were used to measure the angles among the the anteroposterior (AP) axis, the posterior condylar axis (PCA), clinical transepicondylar axis (cTEA) and the surgical transepicondylar axis (sTEA). Then, the differences in amounts of rotation between normal and osteoarthritic knee was evaluated. Results. The mean angle between cTEA and PCA in the osteoarthritis group was 5.0°±2.2, whereas that in the control group was 5.5°±2.0. The mean angle between cTEA and sTEA in the osteoarthritis group was 3.7°±0.8, whereas that in the control group was 4.3°±0.6. The mean angle between AP axis and PCA in the osteoarthritic group was 93.25°±2.0, whereas in the control group was 96.3°±1.9. There was significant differences in angles between AP axis and PCA. But, no significant difference was seen in angles between cTEA and PCA, cTEA and sTEA in two groups. Conclusion. In result of this study, the angle between cTEA and PCA showed an average external rotation of 5.0° in osteoarthritic group. More external rotation was needed for the femoral component alignment than 3° recommended in usual total knee arthroplasty. The angle between AP axis and PCA is decreased in osteoarthritic knee compared with normal knee. But, osteoarthritic change of knee joint had no significant effect on the relationships of other axes

BACKGROUND. Computer navigation system offers an inherent advantage to surgeons improving the surgical technique of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in that it provides constant visual and numerical feedback throughout the procedure. On this basis, this study was designed to explore the chronologic change of surgical outcomes in TKA by a single surgeon with experience of over 50 Imageless navigation-assisted TKA procedures before. METHODS. Surgical outcomes were analyzed in 295 consecutive total knee arthroplasties treated in period 1 (2011.1–2012.12) in which both navigation (53 knees, P1-NAVI) and conventional technique (106 knees, P1-CON) were used and in period 2 (2013.1–2013.12) in which conventional technique (136 knees, P2-CON) was only used. The study parameters were implantation accuracy, clinical outcome, operation time and complications. Coronal femoral component and tibial component angle, and hip–knee–ankle mechanical axis alignment were evaluated. Results. A statistically significant superior result was achieved in final mechanical axis and coronal tibial component angle during P1-NAVI to P1-CON (p=0.00 and p=0.047). However, comparisons between P1-NAVI and P2-CON did not reveal the statistical significant differences in mechanical axis (p=0.08). Additionally during P2-CON, the result of mechanical axis alignment was superior to P1-CON (p=0.009). However, a statistically significant inferior result in coronal tibial component angle during P2-CON was shown in comparison with P1-NAVI (p=0.00) as well as P1-CON (p=0.02). In terms of coronal femoral component alignment, the statistically inferior result during P1-CON was shown in comparison with P1-NAVI (p=0.00) as well as P2-CON (p=0.01). There was no statistically significant differences between P1-NAVI and P2-CON (P=0.08). A statistically significant increase in operating time was found in P1-NAVI compared to P1-CON as well as P2-CON (p=0.01, p=0.00). Additionally, P1-CON has shown the increased operating time compared to P2-CON (p=0.02). There was no statistically significant differences in complications between P1-NAVI and P1-CON. However, the overall number of complication was decreased from period 1 (P1) to period 2 (P2). Conclusions. After stop using imageless navigation system, the mechanical axis and frontal femoral component angle was well maintained. But, surgeon could not maintain the coronal tibial component alignment. The operating time and number of complications were decreased over time. Based on this single surgeon's chronologic change of surgical outcomes, the continuing use for real time feedback such like navigation is needed to maintain the consistency of TKA

Aims

Femoral component anteversion is an important factor in the success of total hip arthroplasty (THA). This retrospective study aimed to investigate the accuracy of femoral component anteversion with the Mako THA system and software using the Exeter cemented femoral component, compared to the Accolade II cementless femoral component.

Arthrofibrosis remains a dominant post-operative complication and reason for returning to the OR following total knee arthroplasty. Trauma induced by ligament releases during TKA soft tissue balancing and soft tissue imbalance are thought to be contributing factors to arthrofibrosis, which is commonly treated by manipulation under anesthesia (MUA). We hypothesized that a robotic-assisted ligament balancing technique where the femoral component position is planned in 3D based on ligament gap data would result in lower MUA rates than a measured resection technique where the implants are planned based solely on boney alignment data and ligaments are released afterwards to achieve balance. We also aimed to determine the degree of mechanical axis deviation from neutral that resulted from the ligament balancing technique. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed 301 consecutive primary TKA cases performed by a single surgeon. The first 102 consecutive cases were performed with a femur-first measured resection technique using computer navigation. The femoral component was positioned in neutral mechanical alignment and at 3° of external rotation relative to the posterior condylar axis. The tibia was resected perpendicular to the mechanical axis and ligaments were released as required until the soft tissues were sufficiently balanced. The subsequent 199 consecutive cases were performed with a tibia-first ligament balancing technique using a robotic-assisted TKA system. The tibia was resected perpendicular to the mechanical axis, and the relative positions of the femur and tibia were recorded in extension and flexion by inserting a spacer block of appropriate height in the medial and lateral compartments. The position, rotation, and size of the femoral component was then planned in all planes such that the ligament gaps were symmetric and balanced to within 1mm (Figure 1). Bone resection values were used to define acceptable limits of implant rotation: Femoral component alignment was adjusted to within 2° of varus or valgus, and within 0–3° of external rotation relative to the posterior condyles. Component flexion, anteroposterior and proximal-distal positioning were also adjusted to achieve balance in the sagittal plane. A robotic-assisted femoral cutting guide was then used to resect the femur according to the plan (Figure 2). CPT billing codes were reviewed to determine how many patients in each group underwent post-operative MUA. Post-operative mechanical alignment was measured in a subset of 50 consecutive patients in the ligament balancing group on standing long-leg radiographs by an independent observer. Results. Post-operative MUA rates were significantly lower in the ligament balancing group (0.5%; 1/199) than in the measured resection group (3.9%; 4/102), p=0.051. 91.3% (42/46) of knees were within 3° and 100% (46/46) were within 4° of neutral alignment to the mechanical axis post-operatively in the ligament balancing group. Conclusions. Gap driven femoral based planning in TKA resulted in a significantly lower post-operative manipulation rate than in the measured resection approach, while maintaining acceptable overall alignment to the mechanical axis

Minimally invasive total knee replacement (MIS-TKR) has been reported to have better early recovery than conventional TKR. Quadriceps-sparing (QS) TKR is the least invasive MIS procedure, but it is technically demanding with higher reported rates of complications and outliers. This study was designed to compare the early clinical and radiological outcomes of TKR performed by an experienced surgeon using the QS approach with or without navigational assistance (NA), or using a mini-medial parapatellar (MP) approach. In all, 100 patients completed a minimum two-year follow-up: 30 in the NA-QS group, 35 in the QS group, and 35 in the MP group. There were no significant differences in clinical outcome in terms of ability to perform a straight-leg raise at 24 hours (p = 0.700), knee score (p = 0.952), functional score (p = 0.229) and range of movement (p = 0.732) among the groups. The number of outliers for all three radiological parameters of mechanical axis, frontal femoral component alignment and frontal tibial component alignment was significantly lower in the NA-QS group than in the QS group (p = 0.008), but no outlier was found in the MP group. . In conclusion, even after the surgeon completed a substantial number of cases before the commencement of this study, the supplementary intra-operative use of computer-assisted navigation with QS-TKR still gave inferior radiological results and longer operating time, with a similar outcome at two years when compared with a MP approach. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:906–10

Patient-specific cutting guides (PSCGs) are designed to improve the accuracy of alignment of total knee replacement (TKR). We compared the accuracy of limb alignment and component positioning after TKR performed using PSCGs or conventional instrumentation. A total of 80 patients were randomised to undergo TKR with either of the different forms of instrumentation, and radiological outcomes and peri-operative factors such as operating time were assessed. No significant difference was observed between the groups in terms of tibiofemoral angle or femoral component alignment. Although the tibial component in the PSCGs group was measurably closer to neutral alignment than in the conventional group, the size of the difference was very small (89.8° (. sd. 1.2) vs 90.5° (. sd. 1.6); p = 0.030). This new technology slightly shortened the bone-cutting time by a mean of 3.6 minutes (p < 0.001) and the operating time by a mean 5.1 minutes (p = 0.019), without tangible differences in post-operative blood loss (p = 0.528) or need for blood transfusion (p = 0.789). This study demonstrated that both PSCGs and conventional instrumentation restore limb alignment and place the components with the similar accuracy. The minimal advantages of PSCGs in terms of consistency of alignment or operative time are unlikely to be clinically relevant. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:354–9

The December 2023 Knee Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: Obesity is associated with greater improvement in patient-reported outcomes following primary total knee arthroplasty; Does mild flexion of the femoral prosthesis in total knee arthroplasty result in better early postoperative outcomes?; Robotic or manual total knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial; Patient-relevant outcomes following first revision total knee arthroplasty, by diagnosis: an analysis of implant survivorship, mortality, serious medical complications, and patient-reported outcome measures using the National Joint Registry data set; Sagittal alignment in total knee arthroplasty: are there any discrepancies between robotic-assisted and manual axis orientation?; Tourniquet use does not impact recovery trajectory in total knee arthroplasty; Impact of proximal tibial varus anatomy on survivorship after medial unicondylar knee arthroplasty; Bone cement directly to the implant in primary total knee arthroplasty?; Maintaining joint line obliquity optimizes outcomes in patients with constitutionally varus knees.

The August 2023 Knee Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: Curettage and cementation of giant cell tumour of bone: is arthritis a given?; Anterior knee pain following total knee arthroplasty: does the patellar cement-bone interface affect postoperative anterior knee pain?; Nickel allergy and total knee arthroplasty; The use of artificial intelligence for the prediction of periprosthetic joint infection following aseptic revision total knee arthroplasty; Ambulatory unicompartmental knee arthroplasty: development of a patient selection tool using machine learning; Femoral asymmetry: a missing piece in knee alignment; Needle arthroscopy – a benefit to patients in the outpatient setting; Can lateral unicompartmental knees be done in a day-case setting?

Aims

Distal femoral resection in conventional total knee arthroplasty (TKA) utilizes an intramedullary guide to determine coronal alignment, commonly planned for 5° of valgus. However, a standard 5° resection angle may contribute to malalignment in patients with variability in the femoral anatomical and mechanical axis angle. The purpose of the study was to leverage deep learning (DL) to measure the femoral mechanical-anatomical axis angle (FMAA) in a heterogeneous cohort.

Introduction. Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) is an established procedure for relieving patients of pain and functional degradation associated with end-stage osteoarthritis of the knee. Historically, alignment of components in TKA has focused on a ‘reconstructive’ approach neutral to the mechanical axes of the femur and tibia coupled with ligament balancing to achieve a balanced state. More recently, Howell et al. have proposed an alternate approach to TKA alignment, called kinematic alignment. (Howell, 2012) This approach seeks to position the implants to reproduce underlying, pre-disease state femoral condylar and tibial plateau morphology, and in doing is ‘restorative’ of the patients underlying knee kinematic behaviour rather than ‘reconstructive’. While some promising early clinical results have been reported at the RCT level (Dosset, 2014), in vivo comparisons of the kinematic outcome achieved at patient specific levels with the two alignment techniques remain an impossibility. The aim of this research is to develop and report preliminary findings of a means of simulating both alignment techniques on a number of patients. Method. In 20 TKR subjects, 3D geometry of the patient was reconstructed from preoperative CT scans, which were then used to define a patient specific soft tissue attachment model. The knees were then modelled passing through a 0 to 140 degree flexion cycle post TKR under each alignment technique. A multi-radius CR knee design has been used to model the TKA under each alignment paradigm. Kinematic measurements of femoral rollback, internal to external rotation, coronal plane joint torque, patella shear force and varus-valgus angulation are reported at 5, 30, 60, 90 and 120 degrees of flexion. Student's paired 2 sample t-tests are used to determine significant differences in means of the kinematic variables. Results. The mean femoral component alignment to the femoral mechanical axis was 3.3° ± 2.2° valgus and 2.3° ± 1.6° internal to the surgical transepicondylar axis in the kinematically aligned models. The mean tibial component alignment to the tibial mechanical axis was 3.5° ± 2.4° varus and 7.6° ± 6.5° internal to Insall's tibial anterior-posterior axis. The mechanically aligned model sims were all neutral to both axes. As a result of the relative match in femoral valgus & tibial varus component angulation, mean long leg varus at 5° degrees through 60° is not significantly different from the mechanically aligned knees, though with much higher variance in the kinematically aligned group. Statistically significant differences were observed at 90 and 120 degrees, where the long leg angle is dictated by posterior condylar contact on the femur rather than distal. Other statistically significant differences in mean results were observed, notably for coronal plain joint torque (at 5° and 30°, mechanical alignment higher). Discussion. Kinematic aligned TKR is conceptually a very different operation to mechanically aligned TKR, targeting different biomechanical goals. While evidence exists for improved clinical results in patients at a broad level, simulation tools at a patient specific level are a platform that, with development, could distinguish between patients benefiting most from a restorative or a reconstructive approach to their surgery

Aims

Conflicting clinical results are reported for the ATTUNE Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA). This randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluated five-year follow-up results comparing cemented ATTUNE and PFC-Sigma cruciate retaining TKAs, analyzing component migration as measured by radiostereometric analysis (RSA), clinical outcomes, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), and radiological outcomes.

Introduction. Minimally invasive Computer Assisted Total Knee Arthroplasty (MICATKA) has benefits of reduced blood loss, shorter hospital stay, improved post-operative quadriceps function and enhanced post-operative recovery. Our study looked into these factors to compare if there was a significant difference when compared to conventional Computer Assisted Total Knee Arthroplasty (CATKA). Objective. Compare radiological and clinical outcomes of MICATKA and CATKA at a minimum of 5 years. Methods. 40 patients who underwent MICATKA were compared with 40 patients having conventional CATKA. Component positioning was assessed radiographically with AP long leg standing views. Knee Society Scores, length of stay and recovery of straight leg raise was also recorded pre-operatively and at 6-monthes and then yearly until 5 year follow up. Results. Pre-operative Knee Society Scores showed no significant difference between the two groups. Post operatively the mean femoral component alignment was 89.7 degrees for MICATKA and 90.2 for CATKA. The mean tibial component alignment was 89.7 degrees for both. Knees Society Scores in the short term (6, 12, 18 and 24 months) were statistically better in the MICATKA (p<000.1) group. Straight leg raise was achieved by day one in 93% of the MICATKA compared to only 30% of the CATKA. Length of stay for MICATKA was a mean of 3.25 days with CATKA a mean of 6 days. At five years there was no significant difference in the MICATKA and CATKA in Knee Society Scores and there were two revisions in the MICATKA group and one in the CATKA group. Conclusions. MICATKA have significantly better outcomes in the immediate short-term compared to CATKA. In the medium term these differences are not significant and similar outcomes can be achieved when performing CATKA in both clinical and radiographic assessments

Introduction. Patellofemoral (PF) complications are among the most frequently observed adverse events after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). It has been reported that PF complications after TKA include decreasing knee range of motion, anterior knee pain, quadriceps and patellar-tendon rupture, patellar subluxation, and partial abrasion and loosening of the patellar component. Although recent improvements in surgical technique and prosthetic design have decreased these complications, the percentage of patients who have a revision TKA for PF complications still ranged up to 6.6% to 12%. For the present study, we hypothesized that the alignment of the femoral component is correlated with PF contact stress. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between femoral component alignment and PF contact stress in vivo, using a pressure sensor in patients who had favorable extension-flexion gap balance during TKA. Methods. Thirty knees with medial compartment osteoarthritis that underwent posterior stabilized mobile-bearing TKA using identical prostheses (PFC Sigma RPF; Depuy, Warsaw, IN, USA) by a single surgeon (TM) with modified gap technique under a computed tomography (CT)-based navigation system (Vector Vision 1.61; Brain Lab, Heimstetten, Germany) were evaluated. PF contact stress was measured intraoperatively and compared with the alignment of the femoral component including intraoperative navigation data concerning medial shift of the patella and lateral tilt of the patella, postoperative coronal femoral component angle (alpha angle), postoperative sagittal femoral component angle (gamma angle), postoperative condylar twist angle (CTA), postoperative lateral condylar lift-off angle, and postoperative mechanical femoral component angle (mFCA). In addition, postoperative Insall-Salvati ratio (I-S ratio) was measured by dividing the length of patellar tendon by the greatest diagonal length of the patella. Results. Maximum PF stress was 2.4 ± 1.9 MPa, medial shift of the patella was 2.6 ± 1.5 mm, and lateral tilt of the patella was 8.5 ± 4.2 degrees. The PF contact stress was not correlated sagittal and coronal alignment of the femoral component and patella tracking, whereas rotational alignment of the femoral component was negatively correlated with the PF contact stress (r = −0.718, p < 0.01). Discussion and conclusion. Multiple regression analysis shows that PF contact stress correlates with CTA, I-S ratio positively correlates with PF contact stress in Spearman correlation analysis. The results of the present study showed a negative correlation between maximum stress in the PF joint and CTA. It has been reported that excessive external rotation increases the medial flexion gap, leading to symptomatic flexion instability of the femoral component. In addition, external rotation of the femoral component can cause relative medialization of the trochlear groove during flexion, resulting in anterior knee pain. Therefore, we should carefully decide the proper rotational alignment of the femoral component. It has been reported that PF contact stress in a normal knee was from 2.1 to 2.9 MPa in a cadaveric study. In the present study, patients with rotational alignment of the femoral component after TKA between 1.2° and 2.2° internally rotated from CEA had PF contact stress in this normal range

Introduction. A large number of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients, particularly in Japan, India and the Middle East, exhibit anatomy with substantial proximal tibial torsion. Alignment of the tibial components with the standard anterior-posterior (A-P) axis of the tibia can result in excessive external rotation of the tibial components with respect to femoral component alignment. This in turn influences patellofemoral (PF) mechanics and forces required by the extensor mechanism. The purpose of the current study was to determine if a rotating-platform (RP) TKA design with an anatomic patellar component reduced compromise to the patellar tendon, quadriceps muscles and PF mechanics when compared to a fixed-bearing (FB) design with a standard dome-shaped patellar component. Methods. A dynamic three-dimensional finite element model of the knee joint was developed and used to simulate a deep knee bend in a patient with excessive external tibial torsion (Figure 1). Detailed description of the model has been previously published [1]. The model included femur, tibia and patellar bones, TKA components, patellar ligament, quadriceps muscles, PF ligaments, and nine primary ligaments spanning the TF joint. The model was virtually implanted with two contemporary TKA designs; a FB design with domed patella, and a RP design with anatomic patella. The FB design was implanted in two different alignment conditions; alignment to the tibial A-P axis, and optimal alignment for bone coverage. Four different loading conditions (varying internal-external (I-E) torque and A-P force) were applied to the model to simulate physiological loads during a deep knee bend. Quadriceps muscle force, patellar tendon force, and PF and TF joint forces were compared between designs. Results. The RP design demonstrated consistently lower medial-lateral (M-L) force at the PF joint than the FB design, with greater differences between designs in later flexion once the patella was engaged in the sulcus groove; root-mean-square (RMS) differences in M-L force averaged 50 N less in the RP design throughout the flexion cycle, and 70 N less after 45° flexion (Figure 2). The FB design aligned for optimal bone coverage demonstrated 15% higher M-L forces than the FB design aligned with the tibial A-P axis. RMS load required by the quadriceps muscle was 60 N lower with the RP design than the FB design throughout the cycle (Figure 2). Discussion. Comparing a RP design with an anatomic patellar component and a FB design with a domed patellar component, the RP design demonstrated lower M-L PF joint and soft-tissue extensor mechanism forces. Differences were more pronounced under conditions of high I-E torque where the RP design accommodated large relative TF rotation. Differences in FB alignment resulted in substantially different PF M-L forces; when the FB component was mal-aligned with respect to the tibial A-P axis (and the line-of-action of the patellar tendon) the resulting M-L PF force was increased. The RP design reduced the demands on the extensor mechanism and loads on the PF joint and facilitated better coverage of the resected tibial bone surface

The purpose of this study was to assess whether there was significant variation in distal femoral morphology between individuals. In the first part of this study we analysed the distal femoral morphology of 100 consecutive patients undergoing routine total knee replacement for osteoarthritis. In the second part we reviewed the morphology of 50 cadaveric distal femoral specimens without osteoarthritis. There was considerable variability in distal femoral morphology. Our findings suggest that: 1, use of the posterior condylar axis for femoral component alignment should be used cautiously; 2, problems in balancing flexion and extension gaps on both sides of the knee can be predicted; 3, a greater range of femoral component shapes should be available

The minimal invasive total knee arthroplasty has demonstrated shorter hospital stays, less postoperative blood loss, and less pain associated with these techniques but concerns are raised about inaccurate implant alignment due to limited visibility. The combination of computer assisted arthroplasty and MIS could aid in the improvement of the accuracy of implantation. This prospective randomized study presents the initial results of the first 25 cases of two different imageless computer-assisted arthroplasty, the Orthopilot(B. Braun-Aesculap, Tuttlingen, Germany) and the Ci navigation system(DePuy, Munich, Germany). The same surgeon performed all TKA procedures using the minimidvastus approach. Coronal and sagittal alignments of the femoral and tibial components were determined using postoperative full length radiographs. Comparison of the 2 groups demonstrated no difference in postoperative limb alignment, femoral and tibial coronal alignment, and sagittal tibial alignment. The sagittal alignment between the 2 groups showed different results. The Orthopilot group showed a tendency toward flexion of the femoral components, and the Ci navigation group showed a tendency toward extension of the femoral components. The tourniquet time was longer by an average of 16minutes in the Ci navigation group. One complication of femoral fracture through the pin site occurred in the Orthopilot group. Combined CAS and MIS has he advantage in improving the accuracy of component alignment but caution is needed for improving sagittal femoral component alignment

Introduction:. Alignment of the initial femoral guidewire is critical in avoiding technical errors that may increase the risk of failure of the femoral component. A novel alternative to conventional instrumentation for femoral guidewire insertion is a computed tomography (CT) based alignment guide. The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of femoral component alignment using a CT-based, patient specific femoral alignment guide. Methods:. Between March 2010 and January 2011, 25 hip resurfacings utilizing a CT-based femoral alignment guide were performed by three surgeons experienced in hip resurfacing. Stem-shaft angle (SSA) accuracy was assessed using minimum 6 week post-operative digital radiographs. A benchside study was also conducted utilizing six pairs of cadaveric femora. Each pair was divided randomly between a group utilizing firstly a conventional lateral pin jig followed by computer navigation and a group utilizing a CT-based custom jig. Guidewire placement accuracy for each alignment method was assessed using AP and lateral radiographs. Results:. In the clinical series, the post-operative SSA differed from the planned SSA by a mean of 1.3° (SD 4.8, range −9–14). The final SSA measured within ± 5° of the planned SSA in 20 of 24 cases (83%). There was no significant difference between surgeons in post-operative SSA accuracy (p = 0.697). In the benchside study, the custom jig (mean error 6.4°, SD 2.9) provided a comparable level of accuracy to that of the conventional jig (mean error 5.5°, SD 3.6, p = 0.851). Guidewire version using the custom jig (mean error 1.0°, SD 0.4) was comparable to computer navigation (mean error 3.9°, SD 2.1, p = 0.101) and was superior to the conventional jig (mean error 5.6°, SD 2.9, p = 0.008). Conclusion:. CT-based, patient specific guidewire alignment jigs provide a satisfactory level of accuracy for alignment of the femoral component. A custom guidewire alignment jig is comparable to computer navigation and may be a better alternative to conventional instrumentation for placement of the initial femoral guidewire in hip resurfacing. Accuracy results of the device approach those previously established for imageless computer navigation in hip resurfacing (1)

Aims

This systematic review aims to compare the precision of component positioning, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), complications, survivorship, cost-effectiveness, and learning curves of MAKO robotic arm-assisted unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (RAUKA) with manual medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (mUKA).

Improper rotation of the femoral and tibial components in total knee arthroplasty may leads to various patellofemoral(PF) complications. As for the femoral component, alignment it to the epicondylar axis of the femur has been a widely used method. The tibial component traditionally has been aligned to the medial 1/3 of the tibial tuberosity. However, there is no consensus concerning how to determine the tibial component rotation. The purpose of the current study is to evaluate the influence rotational alignment of tibial component upon PF joint. We divided the cases to two groups. Group A: 41cases 50knees (OA 34cases, RA16cases). The average age was 69.5(35~84). Group B: 30cases 30knees (OA 25 cases, RA 5cases). The average age was 72.6(59~86). In group A, the anteropostrior (AP) axis was defined as the line connecting the medial 1/3 of tibial tuberosity and the center of PCL attachment. In group B, the line connecting the medial edge of patellar tendon attachment and the center of PCL attachment was defined as AP axis. We measured the PF alignment on postoperative X-rays. Tangential radiographs were used to measure the amount of patellar tilt (tilting angle: TA), subluxation and patellar lateral shift (LS). Group A showed that tilting angle 14±4°, lateral shift 0.3±0. These values of group B were 12±5°,0.2±0.1, respectively. In rotation of tibial component, Insall reported that the landmark in front of tibia was medial 1/3 tibial tuberosity. Akagi et,, al reported that the landmark was midial edge of patellar tendon attachment. This study indicated that the latter had better alignment in patellofemoral joint

Minimally invasive total knee arthroplasty is growing in popularity. It appears to reduce blood loss, reduce hospital stay, improve post-operative quadriceps function and shorten post-operative recovery. We show our experience of minimally invasive TKA with a computer navigation system. The first series compared forty MICA TKA and forty conventional computer assisted total knee arthroplasties (CATKA). Component positioning was assessed radiographically with long leg Maquet views. Knee Society Scores (KSS) were recorded pre-operatively and at 6, 12, 18 months. Length of stay and recovery of straight leg raise was also recorded. A second series of fifty MICATKA patients were assessed post-operatively for component alignment using long leg Maquet views. Twenty-two of these patients had assessment of femoral rotation using CT. In the first series pre-operative KSS showed no significant difference between the two groups. Post-operatively the mean femoral component alignment was 89.7 degrees for MICATKA and 90.2 for CATKA. The mean tibial component alignment was 89.7 degrees for both. KSS at 6, 12, 18 months were statistically better in the MICATKA (p<000.1). Straight leg raise was achieved by day one in 93% of the MICATKA compared to 30% of the CATKA. Length of stay for MICATKA was a mean of 3.25 days with CATKA a mean of 6 days. In the second series the mean femoral component varus/valgus angle was 89.98 degrees, the mean tibial component varus/valgus angle was 89.91 degrees and the mean femoral component rotation was 0.6 degrees of external rotation. MICATKA is a safe procedure with reproducible results. Alignment is equivalent to CATKA. It gives statistically significant improvement in KSS compared to the open procedure. The length of stay and time to straight leg raise are also reduced. At 2 years follow-up we have seen no revisions and no evidence of loosening radiographically

This study was to assess the accuracy of fixed posterior condylar referencing cutting blocks to the accuracy of combined epicondylar/AP axis referencing in femoral component rotation using a computer navigation system. Seventy-five consecutive patients undergoing TKRs were randomized into two groups. The first received femoral component rotation by a computerized method that combined the epicondylar axis and Whitesides AP axis measurements to determine rotation. The second group had a zero or three-degree posterior referencing external rotation block, depending on which was closest to the epicondylar axis. All patients underwent axial CT scans of the distal femur to determine component rotation around the surgical epicondylar axis. Femoral component alignment with the combined method as compared to fixed posterior alignment guides is statistically improved (p=0.001). In the posterior referencing group 43% were correctly rotated to the epicondylar axis but another 43% were malrotated by 3 degrees or more. The mean malrotation was 1.72 degrees (range 0–5) In the combined group 82% were correctly rotated and 11% were malrotated by 3 degrees or more. The mean malrotation was 0.51 degrees (range 0–4). Conclusion: A combined computerized method of using the surgical epicondylar axis and Whitesides AP axis produces superior results when aiming for neutral femoral component rotation. Fixed posterior referencing blocks will produce errors in malrotation in over 50% of cases

Aims: Because of the limitation of exposure inherent in minimally invasive surgical techniques for total knee replacement surgery, there is a significant risk of malalignment, malrotation, femoral notching and failure of soft tissue balance. Methods: In this randomized study 50 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee, underwent TKR through a minimally invasive exposure using a navigation system; while a control group of 50 patients underwent the same surgery without navigation. A subvastus approach was used with a less than 10 cm incision. Femoral component alignment is established with an intramedullary, and the tibial component, with an extramedullary alignment guide. The navigation system was used for fine adjustment and verification of cutting block position. The navigation system used for the study was the VectorVision® CT-Free Knee 1.5.1. Results: The accuracy of prosthetic components positioning was significantly higher in the navigation group. The navigation system offered an objective analysis of medial and lateral ligament tension in full extension and 90 ° of flexion. In 8 cases navigation avoided femoral notching. No navigation related complications were registered. The additional surgery time for computer-assisted TKR was a mean 21 minutes. The nonnavigated implantation technique reached perfect component positioning in 62 % of the TKR. Conclusion: Computer-assisted TKR results in predictable and accurate alignment, avoidance of femoral notching, avoidance of malrotation and appropriate balance of the soft tissue. Performing minimally invasive TKR without navigation has a higher risk of increased rate of unsatisfactory outcomes with shorter prosthetic survivorship when compared to the use of navigation

Patellofemoral complications are among the important reasons for revision knee arthroplasty. Femoral component malposition has been implicated in patellofemoral maltracking, which is associated with anterior knee pain, subluxation, fracture, wear, and aseptic loosening. Rotating-platform mobile bearings compensate for malrotation between the tibial and femoral components. It has been suggested that rotating bearings may also reduce the patellofemoral maltracking resulting from femoral component malposition. We constructed a dynamic musculoskeletal model of weight-bearing knee flexion in a knee implanted with posterior cruciate-retaining arthroplasty components (LifeMOD/KneeSIM, LifeModeler Inc). The model was validated using tibiofemoral and patellofemoral kinematics and forces measured in cadaver knees on an Oxford knee rig. Knee kinematics and patellofemoral forces were measured after simulating axial malrotation of the femoral component (±3° of the transepicondylar reference line). Differences in patellofemoral kinematics and forces between the fixed- and rotating-bearing conditions were analysed. Rotational malalignment of the femoral component affected tibial rotation near full extension and tibial adduction at higher flexion angles. In the fixed-bearing conditions, external rotation of the femoral component increased patellofemoral lateral tilt, patellofemoral lateral shift, and patellofemoral lateral shear forces. Up to 6° of bearing rotation relative to the tibia was noted in the rotating-bearing condition. However, the rotating bearing had minimal effect in reducing the patellofemoral maltracking or shear induced by femoral component rotation. The rotating bearing does not appear to be forgiving of malalignment of the extensor mechanism resulting from femoral component malrotation. The rotating bearing may correct tibiofemoral axial malrotation near full extension but not at higher knee flexion angles. These results support the value of improving existing methodologies for accurate femoral component alignment in knee arthroplasty

Introduction. Proper alignment (tibial alignment, femoral alignment, and overall anatomic alignment) of the prosthesis during total knee replacement is critical in maximizing implant survival[7] and to reduce polyethylene wear[1]. Poor overall anatomic alignment of a total knee replacement was associated with a 6.9 times greater risk of failure due to tibial collapse, that varus tibial alignment is associated with a 3.2 times greater risk[2] and valgus femoral alignment is associated with a 5.1 times greater risk of failure[7]. To reduce this variability intramedullary (IM) instruments have been widely used, with increased risk of the fat emboli rate to the lungs and brain during TKA[6] and possible increase of blood loss[4, 5]. Or, alternatively, navigation has been used to achieve proper alignment and to reduce morbidity[3]. Recently, for distal femoral resection, inertial sensors have been coupled to extramedullary (EM) instruments to improve TKA surgery in terms of femoral implant alignment, with respect to femoral mechanical axis, and reduced morbidity by avoidance of IM canal violation. The purpose if this study is to compare blood loss and alignment of distal femoral cut in three cohorts of patients: 1 Operated with inertial based cutting guide; 2 Operated with navigation instruments; 3 operated with conventional IM instruments. Material and methods. From September to November 2014 30 consecutive patients, eligible for TKA, were randomly divided into three cohorts with 10 patients each:x 1 “EM Perseus”, patient operated with EM inertial based instruments (Perseus, Orthokey Italia srl, Florence, Italy); 2 “EM Nav”, operated with standard navigated technique, where bone resections were planned and verified by mean of navigation system (BLUIGS, Orthokey Italia srl, Florence, Italy); 3 “IM Conv”, operated with standard IM instrumentation. All patients were operated by the same surgical technique, implanted TKA were mobile bearing PS models, Gemini (Waldemar Link, Hamburg, Germany) and Attune (Depuy, Warsaw, Indiana). Anteroposterior, lateral, and full-limb weightbearing views preoperatively and postoperatively at discharge were obtained, taking care of neutral limb rotational positioning in all patients enrolled in the study. Angles between femoral mechanical axis and implant orientation on frontal and lateral planes were measured with a CAD software (Rhinoceros 3, McNeel Europe, Rome, Italy) by two independent persons, average value was used for statistical analysis. Haemoglobin values were recorded at three time intervals: the day before surgery, at 24h follow-up and at patients discharge. Statistical analysis. Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare differences between the three cohorts in blood loss and femoral implant alignment. Results. All the three cohorts were comparable in terms of age, sex, preoperative limb alignment and preoperative haemoglobin values (Tab. 1). Haemoglobin ad discharge was reduced for all three cohorts (Tab. 2), no significant differences was found even if IM Conv group showed higher loss compared to EM Perseus and EM Nav groups. Femoral implant alignment deviation, considering perpendicularity with femoral mechanical axis as goal, was comparable in frontal and lateral plane for all three cohorts (Tab. 2). Discussion. The aim of the study was to compare the accuracy in femoral component positioning, on the coronal and sagittal plane obtained with a new inertial based EM instrument, with a standard IM distal femoral cutting jig and with navigation. We confirm our hypothesis that the use of inertial based EM instruments to perform the distal femoral bone cut in TKA is reliable and at least as accurate as the standard IM technique and navigation. Our study did not show a statistical decrease in blood loss when the femoral canal was not reamed (in inertial based EM, and navigated groups), even if patient operated with IM instruments had sensibly higher blood loss compared to the other two groups. This study was not exactly powered for that purpose, a study with a larger cohort and strict patient selection criteria would be required. This study demonstrates that inertial based EM instruments is accurate for femoral component alignment in TKA and compares favorably to navigation systems and standard IM techniques. Other indications for the use of inertial based EM instruments include all major femoral extraarticular deformities, the presence of ipsilateral long-stemmed hip arthroplasty, and the presence of hardware such as distal femoral plates and screws or IM nails

Introduction. Computer assisted surgery (CAS) systems have been shown to improve alignment accuracy in total knee arthroplasty (TKA), yet concerns regarding increased costs, operative times, pin sites, and the learning curve associated with CAS techniques have limited its widespread acceptance. The purpose of this study was to compare the alignment accuracy of an accelerometer-based, portable navigation device (KneeAlignÒ 2) to a large console, imageless CAS system (AchieveCAS). Our hypothesis is that no significant difference in alignment accuracy will be appreciated between the portable, accelerometer-based system, and the large-console, imageless navigation system. Methods. 62 consecutive patients, and a total of 80 knees, received a posterior cruciate substituting TKA using the Achieve CAS computer navigation system. Subsequently, 65 consecutive patients, and a total of 80 knees, received a posterior cruciate substituting TKA using the KneeAlignÒ 2 to perform both the distal femoral and proximal tibial resections (femoral guide seen in Figure 1, and tibial guide seen in Figure 2). Postoperatively, standing AP hip-to-ankle radiographs were obtained for each patient, from which the lower extremity mechanical axis, tibial component varus/valgus mechanical alignment, and femoral component varus/valgus mechanical alignment were digitally measured. Each measurement was performed by two, blinded independent observers, and interclass correlation for each measurement was calculated. All procedures were performed using a thigh pneumatic tourniquet, and the total tourniquet time for each procedure was recorded. Results. In the KneeAlignÒ 2 cohort, 92.5% of patients had an alignment within 3° of a neutral mechanical axis (vs. 86.3% with AchieveCAS, p<0.01), 96.2% had a tibial component alignment within 2° of perpendicular to the tibial mechanical axis (vs. 97.5% with AchieveCAS, p=0.8), and 94.9% had a femoral component alignment within 2° of perpendicular to the femoral mechanical axis (vs. 92.5% with AchieveCAS, p<0.01). The mean tourniquet time in the KneeAlignÒ 2 cohort was 48.1 + 10.2 minutes, versus 54.1 + 10.5 in the AchieveCAS cohort (p<0.01). The interclass correlation coefficient for measurement of the postoperative tibial alignment was 0.92, for femoral alignment was 0.85, and for overall lower extremity alignment was 0.94. Conclusion. Accelerometer-based, portable navigation can provide the same degree of alignment accuracy as large console, imageless CAS system in TKA, while also decreasing operative times. The KneeAlignÒ 2 successfully combines the benefits and accuracy of large-console, CAS systems, while avoiding the use of extra pin sites, decreasing operative times, and providing a level of familiarity with conventional alignment methods

INTRODUCTION. Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) can achieve excellent clinical and functional results for patients suffering from single compartment osteoarthritis. However, UKA is considered to be more technically challenging to perform, and malalignment of the implant components has been shown to significantly contribute to UKA failures. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the clinically realized accuracy of UKA component placement using surgical navigation and dynamically referenced tactile-robotics. METHODS. Pre-op CT, post-op CT, and surgical plan were available for 22 knees out of the first 45 procedures performed using a new tactile-guided robotic system. 3D component placement accuracy was assessed by comparing the pre-operative plan with the post-operative implant placement (desired versus actual). Bone and implant models were obtained from postoperative CT scans taken immediately following the surgery. A 3D to 3D iterative closest point registration procedure was performed and the measured implant position was directly compared to the preoperative plan. Errors were assessed as single axis root-mean-square (RMS) entities. RESULTS. Femoral component RMS placement errors averaged 1.4 mm/2.6° along any single axis. Tibial component RMS placement errors averaged 1.18 mm/2.14° along any single axis. CONCLUSION. Using traditional manual instruments, Cobb et al. found average RMS errors of 2.20mm/5.48°. Using the robotic approach with bones fixed, Cobb et al. reported RMS errors of 1.11 mm/2.5°, directly comparable to our results with bones moving freely during surgery. Varus/valgus femoral component alignment and posterior tilt of the tibial component are within the accepted range to prevent excessive edge loading, leading to tibial plateau collapse and/or excessive wear. Dynamically-referenced tactile robotics provide a new tool to accurately prepare bone with minimally invasive approaches. Our results suggest excellent UKA implant placement accuracy can be achieved, comparable to that demonstrated for statically referenced tactile robotics. The patients were the first group from a single surgeon using this technique, suggesting good implant alignment is achieved in what normally would be considered a learning phase. Finally, these patients were treated with the first approved version of this new tool, suggesting further refinement of this robotic technology will enhance the accuracy and usability of this tool

Introduction. Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) reliably improves pain and function in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA), though a substantial percentage of patients remain unsatisfied. Reasons include the presence of complications, persistent pain, and unmet expectations. The aim of this study was to determine whether the sequential addition of accelerometer-based navigation of the distal femoral cut and sensor-assisted soft tissue balancing changed complication rates, radiographic alignment, or patient-reported outcomes (PROs) compared to TKA performed with conventional instrumentation. Methods. This retrospective cohort study included 371 TKAs in 319 patients. All surgeries were performed by a single surgeon in sequential fashion using a measured resection technique with a goal of mechanical alignment. The historical control group, utilizing intramedullary guides for distal femoral resection and surgeon-guided soft tissue balancing, was compared to group 1 (accelerometer-based navigation for distal femoral resection, surgeon-guided balancing) and group 2 (navigated femoral resection, sensor-guided balancing). Primary outcome measures were PROMIS scores including physical function computerized adaptive test (PF CAT), and the Global 10 health assessment (including physical, mental, and pain scores), and Knee Injury Osteoarthritis and Outcome Score (KOOS), measured preoperatively and at 6 weeks and 12 months postoperatively. Radiographic measurements included component position and overall mechanical alignment of the limb and were made at 6 weeks by a single examiner from hip to ankle standing films. Charts were reviewed for pre- and postoperative ROM at 6 weeks, polyethylene insert morphology, and postoperative hematocrit change. Complications were recorded, including manipulation under anesthesia and reoperation. Our study was powered to detect a difference of 1 standard deviation in PF CAT score with 100 patients. Statistical analysis was performed by a statistician including t-tests, multivariate regression, and time series plot analyses. Results. There were 194 patients in the control group, 103 in group 1, and 74 in group 2. There was no difference in baseline patient demographics. Patients in group 2 had higher baseline mental health subscores than control and group 1 patients (53.2 vs 50.2 vs 50.2, p=0.04). There were no differences in 6-week and one-year postop PF CAT, physical or mental subscores, pain scores, or KOOS scores (all p>0.05). There were 8 total complications in the control group (4.1%), 4 in group 1 (3.8%), and 1 in group 2 (1.4%) (p>0.4). The postoperative mechanical axis of the limb was within 3 degrees of neutral in 71.6% of control patients, 74.8% in group 1, and 85.1% in group 2 (p=0.1). There was no difference in femoral component coronal alignment between groups (p=0.91), though controls had a small but significantly higher degree of flexion in the sagittal plane (6.5 degrees) than groups 1 and 2 (5.4 degrees in both, p=0.003). There was no difference in postoperative ROM or blood loss. Conclusions. The sequential addition of imageless navigation of the distal femoral cut and sensor-guided ligament balancing did not confer any benefit to short term PROs, radiographic outcomes, or complication rates over conventional techniques. While overall mechanical alignment of the limb was improved in groups 1 and 2 compared to controls, this did not reach statistical significance. The additive costs of navigation and soft-tissue balancing technologies may not be justified. For figures, tables, or references, please contact authors directly

INTRODUCTION. In total knee arthroplasty (TKA), the effectiveness of the mechanical alignment (MA) within 0°±3° has been recently questioned. A novel implantation approach, i.e. the kinematic alignment (KA), emerged recently, this being based on the pre-arthritic lower-limb alignment. In KA, the trans-cylindrical axis is used as the reference, instead of the trans-epicondylar one, for femoral component alignment. This axis is defined as the line passing through the centres of the posterior femoral condyles modeled as cylinders. Recently, patient specific instrumentation (PSI) has been introduced in TKA as an alternative to conventional instrumentation. This provides a tool for preoperative implant planning also via KA. Particularly, KA using PSI seems to be more effective in restoring normal joint kinematics and muscle activity. The purpose of this study was to report preliminarily joint kinematic and electromyography results of two patient groups operated via conventional MA or KA, the latter using PSI. PATIENT AND METHODS. Twenty patients recruited for TKA were implanted with Triathlon® prosthesis (Stryker®-Orthopaedics, Mahwah, NJ-USA). Seventeen patients, eleven operated targeting MA using the convention instrumentation (group A) and six targeting KA (group B) using PSI (Stryker®-Orthopaedics), were assessed at 6 month follow-up clinically via IKSS and biomechanically. Knee kinematics during stair-climbing, chair-rising, and extension-against-gravity were evaluated using three-dimensional mono-planar video-fluoroscopy (CAT® Medical-System, Monterotondo, Italy) synchronised with electromyography (Wave-Wireless, Cometa®, Milan, Italy). Component pose was reconstructed to calculate knee flexion/extension (FE), ad/abduction (AA), internal/external-rotation (IE), together with the rotation of the contact-line (CLR), i.e. line connecting the medial (MCP) and lateral (LCP) tibio-femoral contact points. MCP and LCP antero-posterior translations were calculated and reported in percentage (%) of the tibial base-plate length. RESULTS. Postoperative clinical scores were better in group B. Knee/functional scores were 78±20/80±23 in group A and 91±12/90±15 in group B. AA range was found smaller than 3°, and physiological ranges of FE and IE were found in both groups. From extension to flexion, MCP translations were all anterior of about 13.8±5.6% anterior, 17.0±6.6% posterior and 15.4±6.6.9% posterior in group A, and 13.0±3.4%, 16.6±5.3% and 16.6±5.6% in group B; corresponding values for LCP were all posterior of about 9.5±3.6%, 11.1±4.3% and 8.7±2.6% in group A, and 102±2.1%, 13.7±8.6% and 14.6±9.8% in group B. These resulted in a CLR equal to 8.2°±3.2°, 10.2°±3.7° and 8.8°±5.3° in group A, and 7.3°±3.5°, 12.6°±2.6° and 12.5°±4.2° group B. Much more consistent patterns of motion were observed in group B. A prolonged activation of the vastus medialis and lateralis was observed in group A. DISCUSSION. These preliminary results show that better scores can be expected using PSI via KA. Although not relevant kinematic differences were observed between groups, more consistent patterns were observed in using PSI via KA. Furthermore, the observed less prolonged activation of the knee extensor muscles suggest that a more natural soft tissue balance is experienced in this group. These findings show a good efficacy of KA using PSI in TKA. The clinical/functional analysis of more patients and a longer follow-up are necessary to establish the claimed superiority of the novel approach

Minimally invasive total knee arthroplasty is growing in popularity. It appears to reduce blood loss, reduce hospital stay, improve post-operative quadriceps function and shortens post-operative recovery. We show our experience of minimally invasive TKA with a computer navigation system. Forty patients who underwent MICATKA were compared with forty patients having conventional CATKA. Component positioning was assessed radiographically with AP long leg standing views. Knee Society Scores, length of stay and recovery of straight leg raise was also recorded pre-operatively and at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months. Pre-operative Knee Society Scores showed no significant difference between the two groups. Post operatively the mean femoral component alignment was 89.7 degrees for MICATKA and 90.2 for CATKA. The mean tibial component alignment was 89.7 degrees for both. Knees society scores at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months were statistically better in the MICATKA (p< 000.1). However the mean difference in Knee Society Scores had fallen. Straight leg raise was achieved by day one in 93% of the MICATKA compared to only 30% of the CATKA. Length of stay for MICATKA was a mean of 3.25 days with CATKA a mean of 6 days. MICATKA is a safe procedure with reproducible results. Alignment is equivalent to CATKA. It gives statistically significant improvement in Knee Society Scores compared to the open procedure. The length of stay and time to straight leg raise is also reduced. At a minimum of 2 years follow-up we have seen no revisions and no evidence of radiographic loosening. A randomised multi centre trial is under way and early results are awaited