Background. In total hip arthroplasty (THA), preservation of the short external rotator muscles are considered to be important because they contribute to joint stability and prevent postoperative dislocation. Recently, we reported that there are bony impressions on the greater trochanter that indicate the insertions of the short external rotator tendons. In this study, we reported a method to visualize the bony impressions using preoperative CT images, and evaluate the reliability and accuracy of this method. Methods. Thirty-three hips from 24 consecutive patients undergoing THA were enrolled. The mean age was 65.3 years. Preoperative diagnoses included hip osteoarthritis in 27 hips, rheumatoid arthritis in 4 hips, idiopathic osteonecrosis in 1 hip, femoral neck fracture in 1 hip. Preoperative CT of the hip region was obtained and three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of the greater trochanter was performed to visualize the bony impressions, that we called the obturator tendon attachment (OTA), indicating the attachment area of the obturator internus and externus muscles. Results. 3D reconstructed images of the greater trochanter were observed from medial side at 50 degrees of external hip rotation and 20 degrees of abduction (OTA view). Using OTA view, the bony impressions indicating the attachment area of the obturator internus and externus muscles can be identified in all hips. Conclusions. The bony impressions indicating the attachment area of the obturator internus and externus muscles can be visualized using preoperative 3D-CT. We considered that the findings in the present study could be helpful for surgery because the alignment of the short external rotator muscles can be estimated preoperatively and the extent of the damage to the OA during the rasping or reaming can be estimated

[Background]

Factors determining improvement of the long-term outcome of total knee arthroplasty include accurate reproduction of lower limb alignment. To acquire appropriate lower limb alignment, tibial component rotation is an important element for outcomes. We usually determine the tibial component rotation using the anatomical rotaional landmark of the proximal tibia and range of motion technique. In addition we followed by confirmation of overall lower limb alignment referring to the distal tibial index. When the tibia have a rotational mismatch between its proximal and distal AP axis, a larger error of the distal tibial index than those of other rotational landmark is of concern. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the reliability of the distal tibial AP axis as a reference axis of tibial compornent rotation in the intraoperative setting.

Introduction. In the evaluation of patients with pre-arthritic hip disorders, making the correct diagnosis and identifying the underlying bone pathology is of upmost importance to achieve optimal patient outcomes. 3-dimensional imaging adds information for proper preoperative planning. CT scans have become the gold standard for this, but with the associated risk of radiation exposure to this generally younger patient cohort. Purpose. To determine if 3D-MR reconstructions of the hip can be used to accurately demonstrate femoral and acetabular morphology in the setting of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and development dysplasia of the hip (DDH) that is comparable to CT imaging. Materials and Methods. We performed a retrospective review of 14 consecutive patients with a diagnosis of FAI or DDH that underwent both CT and MRI scans of the same hip with 3D reconstructions. 2 fellowship trained musculoskeletal radiologists reviewed all scans, and a fellowship trained hip preservation surgeon separately reviewed scans for relevant surgical parameters. All were blinded to the patients' clinical history. The 3D reconstructions were evaluated by radiologists for the presence of a CAM lesion and acetabular retroversion, while the hip preservation surgeon also evaluated CAM extent using a clock face convention of a right hip, location of femoral head blood supply, and morphological anterior inferior iliac spine (AIIS) variant. The findings on the 3D CT reconstructions were considered the reference standard. Results. Of 14 patients, there were 9 females and 5 males with a mean age 32 (range 15–42). There was no difference in the ability of MRI to detect the presence of a CAM lesion (100% agreement between 3D-MR and 3D-CT, p=1), AIIS morphology (p=1, mode=type 1 variant), or acetabular retroversion (85.7%, p=0.5). 3D-MR had a sensitivity and specificity of 100 in detecting a CAM lesion relative to 3D-CT. Four CT studies were inadequate to adequately evaluate for presence of a CAM. Five CT studies were inadequate to evaluate for location of the femoral head vessels, while MRI was able to determine location in those patients. In the 10 remaining patients for presence of CAM, and nine patients for femoral head vessel location, there was no statistically significant difference between 3D-MR and 3D-CT in determining the location of CAM lesion on a clock face (p=0.8, mean MRI = 12:54, mean CT: 12:51, SD = 66 mins MR, 81 mins CT) or in determining vessel location (p=0.4, MR mean 11:23, CT mean 11:36, SD 33 mins for both). Conclusion. 3D MRI reconstructions are as accurate as 3D CT reconstructions in evaluating osseous morphology of the hip, and may be superior to CT in determining other certain clinically relevant hip parameters. 3D-MR was equally useful in determining the presence and extent of a CAM lesion, acetabular retroversion, and AIIS morphologic variant, and more useful than 3D CT in determining location of the femoral head vessels. In evaluating FAI or hip dysplasia, a 3D-MR study is sufficient to evaluate both soft tissue and osseous anatomy, sparing the need for a 3D CT scan and its associated radiation exposure and cost

The radiographic analysis of over 5000 metal on metal (MoM) hips using Ein Bild Roentgen Analyse (EBRA) software have been recently published in an attempt to determine the influence of cup orientation on bearing function. The validation of this software relies one study, conducted in a phantom pelvis without a femoral head in situ. Three dimensional computed tomographic (3D-CT) has been shown to be more accurate for hip and knee arthroplasty than plain radiographs for measurements of component orientation and position. The accuracy of EBRA when compared to 3D-CT for MoM hips specifically is unclear. We measured the cup orientation of 96 large diameter MoM hips using EBRA analysis of plain radiographs and compared this to 3D-CT. All measurements were made using the radiographic definition of cup orientation. The mean difference in version between the two imaging modalities was 8°; with wide limits of agreement of −21.2° and +5.6°. Three retroverted cups were not detected by EBRA. The mean difference in inclination values was 0.3°, but there was up to 9°difference between imaging modalities. When measured by 3D CT, 64% of hips were within a 10° safe zone around 45° inclination and 20° version, compared to only 24% when measured by EBRA (Fishers Exact test, p< 0.0001). The measurement of cup orientation of MoM hips using EBRA software is insufficiently accurate, particularly for the assessment of cup version. The cup rim is obscured by the large diameter femoral head on plain radiographs. Research studies using EBRA analysis for version have limited value if accuracy of more than 20 degrees is required to draw conclusions. This software may not be suitable to measure the performance of a device or surgeon. The limitations of EBRA can be overcome, if 3D-CT with an extended Hounsfield scale for data capture is used

Purpose. In total elbow arthroplasty (TEA), especially for elbows with condyle defect due to rheumatoid arthritis or trauma, determination of rotation alignment of implants is often difficult. To develop a navigation system for TEA, selecting bony landmarks that can be identified intraoperatively is important. Therefore, we developed a new roentgen free navigation system such as special alignment jigs for TEA based on CT data of normal elbows. The aim of this study was to evaluate alignments of implants after MIS-TEA using the new systems. And also, we reported that 6 bony landmarks on the elbow showed small variability in normal elbows by CT examinations and were considered to be usable as intraoperative landmarks for determining rotational position of implants last year. Especially in RA elbow, posterior aspect of humerus and ulnar aspect of proximal part of ulna were able to be identified even if there is a large bone defect that extends to the lateral or/and medial epicondyle. We used a new roentgen free navigation system in TEA with using Solar elbow from 2009. The aim of this study was to evaluate alignments of implants after MIS-TEA using the new systems by CT examinations. MATERIALS AND METHODS. For determination of alignment and anatomical landmarks to develop the jigs, 3D-CT data of 11 normal elbows was investigated. The posterior aspect of humeral shaft and ulnar aspect of proximal ulna were selected as bony landmarks. Because these can be identified intraoperatively and remain in elbows with extensive bone loss. MIS-TEA with Solar Elbow (Stryker) using these new systems were investigated with postoperative 3D-CT in 14 elbows of 13 patients. Their average age was 68.8 years old. Basic diseases were 10 rheumatoid arthritis and 4 distal humerus injuries. The alignments of humeral and ulnar component were measured on postoperative 3D-CT. RESULTS. Rotational alignment (humerus / ulna) was pronation 6.8° ± 5.7° / pronation 4.6° ± 9.1°; frontal alignment was valgus 0.1° ± 2.7° / valgus 0.1° ± 3.7°; and sagittal alignment was extension 0.6° ± 3.0° / extension 8.9° ± 2.5°. In condyle-defect group (n=5), comparable alignment with condyle-preserved group was obtained. DISCUSSION. The new systems were effective in determining intraoperative alignment even in elbows with extensive bone defect. Extension alignment of the ulna component is because the short component of Solar Elbow was placed along the center axis of the proximal ulna, which inclines in the extension direction relative to the axis of distal ulna

Objectives. Our principle is to bring the socket back to the true acetabulum position. A large structural bone graft is required for severe subluxation. We obtained good long-term results with structural bone grafts. It is necessary to evaluate the bone graft 3 dimensionally, not 2 dimensionally. M and M. We evaluated our 305 primary THAs operated from April 2010 to Mar 2014. Structural bone grafts were utilized on the acetabulum in 39 cases (12.8%). We measured the CE angle on post-operative plain coronal x-rays. 3D-CT evaluation was carried out on the cases with CE angles of 0 degrees or less. We checked the position of the graft and see how much surface area the graft occupies of the total area that receives the load. Result. Mean CE angle on the post-op plain coronal x-rays was −1.5°. 15 cases (38.5%) had 0 degree or less CE angles on the post-op plain coronal x-rays. 11 cases (−15°≤CE<0°), and 4 cases (−30°≤CE<−15°). Mean CE angle was +3.7° on coronal CT of the apex of the socket. Graft position on the acetabulum on 3D-CT was anterosuperior in 13 cases and posterosuperior in 2 cases, wile none showed wide positioning from anterosuperior to posterior. Conclusion. The contact surface area between the graft and the socket is not necessarily large 3 dimensionally, even if the CE angle is 0 degrees in the plain coronal X-rays. Depending on the graft position, sufficient support is considered to be obtained, even though a large size graft is used

INTRODUCTION. An accelerometer-based portable navigation system (KneeAlign2, OrthAlign Inc., Aliso Viejo, CA) is expected to improve mechanical axis and component alignment compared to conventional instrumentation in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, past reports have evaluated its accuracy using only radiographic measurements. The purpose of this study was to analyze the accuracy of the KneeAlign2 system with radiography and more detailed three-dimensional (3D) CT. METHODS. We targeted 22 patients (24 knees) with severe osteoarthritis who underwent primary TKA using the KneeAlign2 system. Cemented, fixed-bearing, cruciate-retaining prostheses were implanted in all patients. We used postoperative standing-position full-length radiographic evaluation of the lower limbs to measure the hip-knee-ankle angle (HKA), frontal femoral component angle (FFC), and frontal tibial component angle (FTC). However, lower limb rotation and knee flexion could affect radiographic measurement of HKA and the component positioning angle. We used 3D bone models reconstructed from pre- and postoperative CT images to precisely analyze the 3D component positioning. For a 3D matching bone model made from these models, a 2D projection of the pre- and postoperative component positioning planes was made, and the projection angle was measured as angle error compared to the preoperative planned position (Figure 1). Average surgery time and total blood loss on postoperative day 7 were also recorded. RESULTS. There were 24 knees available for analysis. Mean HKA was 0.1° ± 2.2 varus; 16.7% of knees had coronal outliers exceeding 3°. Mean FFC was 0.9° ± 1.9 varus; 29.2% of femoral components were placed with coronal outliers exceeding 2°. Mean FTC was 1.2° ± 1.6 valgus; 20.8% of tibial components were placed with coronal outliers exceeding 2°. In 3D-CT evaluation, mean femoral coronal and sagittal alignment were 1.2° ± 1.7 varus (outliers exceeding ±2°: 37.5%) and 0.8° ± 2.4 flexion (outliers exceeding ±2°: 20.8%), respectively. Mean tibial coronal and sagittal alignment were 1.1° ± 1.4 valgus (outliers exceeding ±2°: 33.3%) and 0.1° ± 1.6 flexion (outliers exceeding ±2°: 20.8%), respectively. Average surgical time was 96 ± 7.7 minutes, and blood loss was 400 g ± 113 on postoperative day 7. CONCLUSIONS. With radiographic and 3D-CT evaluation, the mean angle error values for the femoral and tibial components were less than 2° in the coronal plane, and less than 1° in the sagittal plane. KneeAlign2 is highly accurate in positioning the femoral and tibial components in TKA. For figures/tables, please contact authors directly.

Puropose. Three-dimensional (3D) templating based on computed tomography (CT) in total hip arthroplasty improves the accuracy of implant size. However, even when using 3D-CT preoperative planning, getting the concordance rate between planned and actual sizes to reach 100% is not easy. To increase the concordance rate, it is important to analyze the causes of mismatch; however, no such studies have been reported. This study had the following two purposes: to clarify the concordance rate in implant size between 3D-CT preoperative planning and actual size; and to analyze risk factors for mismatch. Materials and Methods. A single surgeon performed 149 THAs using Trident Cup and Centpillar Stem (Stryker) with CT-based navigation between September 2008 and August 2011. Minimal follow-up was 2 years. Patients with incomplete postoperative CT were excluded from this study. Based on these criteria, the study examined 124 hips in 111 patients (mean age, 60 years, mean BMI 23.2 kg/m2). The preoperative diagnosis was primary osteoarthritis in 8 hips, secondary osteoarthritis in 102 hips, osteonecrosis in 9 hips, rapidly destructive coxopathy in 4 hips and rheumatoid arthritis in 1 hip. We compared cup and stem sizes between preoperative planning and intraoperatively used components. Radiological evaluations were cortical index and canal flare index on preoperative X-rays. We evaluated preoperative planning and postoperative components for cup orientation, cup position, and stem alignment (anteversion, flexion and varus angle) on the CT-navigation system. Fixation of the stem was evaluated by X-ray radiography at 2 years postoperatively according to Engh's criteria. Statistical analysis was performed with the Mann-Whitney U test, and values of P<0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results and Discussion. The concordance rate in cup size between preoperative planning and used implants was 94.4% (117/124 hips) (CS group). A one-size larger cup was used in 4 hips (CO group), and a one-size smaller cup was implanted in 3 hips (CU group). No significant difference was seen between the CS group and the CO or CU groups in change of cup orientation and cup position from planning (P>0.05) (Table 1). The concordance rate of stem size between preoperative planning and used stem was 85.5% (106/124 hips) (SS group). A one-size larger stem than the plan was used in two hips (SO group), and a one-size smaller stem than the plan was implanted in 16 hips (SU group). Significant differences were seen between the SU and SS groups in flexion angle, varus angle, and canal flare index (P<0.05, Table 2). Extension or varus of the stem, or an increase in canal flare index, were risk factors for the used stem size being smaller than planned. On the latest follow-up X-rays, all 124 hips showed bone ingrown stability of the implants. Conclusion. The accuracy of implant size selection was 94.4% and 85.5% for the cup and stem, respectively. No factors associated with cup size mismatch were identified. Flexion angle, varus angle, and canal flare index were associated with stem size mismatch between preoperative planning and the actual used size

INTRODUCTION:. Acetabular retroversion has been implicated as a risk factor for the development of early hip osteoarthritis. In clinical practice standard osseous signs such as the cross-over sign (COS) and the posterior wall sign (PWS) are widely used to establish the diagnosis of acetabular retroversion on plain radiographs. Despite standardized radiological evaluation protocols, an increased pelvic tilt can lead to a misdiagnosis of acetabular retroversion in AP radiographs and 2D MR or CT scans. Previous studies have shown that the elimination of observer bias using a standardized methodology based on 3D-CT models and the anterior pelvic plane (APP) for the assessment of COS and PWS results in greater diagnostic accuracy. Using this method a prevalence of 28% for COS and 24% for PWS has been found in a cohort of patients with symptoms indicative of FAI, however the prevalence of both signs in asymptomatic adults remains unknown. This study therefore sought to establish the prevalence of the COS and PWS in relation to the APP in an asymptomatic population using a reliable and accurate 3 D-CT based assessment. METHODS:. A large pool of consecutive CT scans of the pelvis undertaken in our department for conditions unrelated to disorders of the hip was available for analysis. Scans in subjects with a Harris hip score of less than 90 points were excluded leaving a sample of 100 asymptomatic subjects (200 hips) for this study. A previously established 3D analysis method designed to eliminate errors resulting from variations in the position and orientation of the pelvis during CT imaging was applied to determine in order to assess the prevalence of the COS and PWS in relation to the APP. Here, the acetabuli were defined as retroverted if either the COS, PWS or both were positive. RESULTS:. From the total of 200 hips a positive COS was identified in 24% (48/200) and a positive PWS was detected in 6.5% (13/200) relative to the APP using the CT data. A. In male adults a COS was observed in 25.4% (29/114) and a PWS in 10.5% (12/114). In female adults a COS were observed in 22.1% (19/86) and a PWS in 1.2% (1/86). DISCUSSION:. The high incidence of acetabular retroversion observed using an accurate 3D-CT based methodology shows that this anatomic configuration might not differ in frequency between asymptomatic individuals and patients with symptomatic FAI. Patients presenting with hip pain and evidence of FAI should therefore be subjected to strict diagnostic scrutiny, as the presence of a COS and/or PWS shows a poor correlation with the presence of symptomatic disease. In our collective of asymptomatic adults the COS showed a higher incidence than the PWS. Additionally a deficiency of the posterior acetabular wall was rare in asymptomatic adults compared to FAI patients. Therefore, the question whether an abnormal acetabular version does indeed lead to the development of osteoarthritis in all patients warrants further study. Although an association between osteoarthritis and femuro-acetabular impingement is believed to exist, long-term epidemiological studies are needed to establish the natural history of these anatomical configurations

Background. Accurate placement of the glenoid component in total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) is critical to optimize implant longevity. Commercially available patient-specific instrumentation systems can improve implant placement, but may involve considerable expense and production delays of up to six weeks. The purpose of this study was to develop a novel technique for in-house production of 3D-printed, patient-specific glenoid guides, and compare the accuracy of glenoid guidepin placement between the patient-specific guide and a standard guide using a cadaveric model. Methods. Twenty cadaveric shoulder specimens were randomized to receive glenoid guidepin placement via standard TSA guide (Wright Medical, Memphis, TN) or patient-specific guide. Three-dimensional scapular models were reconstructed from CT scans with Mimics 20.0 imaging software (Materialise NV, Leuven, Belgium). A pre-surgical plan was created for all specimens for the central glenoid guidepin of 0º version and inclination angles. Central pin entry and exit points were also calculated. Patient-specific guides were constructed to achieve the planned pin trajectory in Rhino3D software (Robert McNeel & Associates, Seattle, WA). Guides were 3D-printed on a Form2 printer with Formlabs Dental SG Resin (Formlabs, Somerville, MA). Glenoid labrum and cartilage were removed with preservation of other soft tissues in all specimens to mimic intraoperative TSA conditions. A fellowship-trained, board-eligible orthopaedic surgeon placed a 2.5 mm diameter titanium guidepin into each glenoid using the assigned guide for each specimen. After pin placement, repeat CT scans were performed, and a blinded measurer used superimposed 3D scapular reconstructions to calculate deviation from the pre-surgical plan in version and inclination angles, dot product angle, and guide pin entry and exit points. Student's t tests were performed to detect differences between pin placements for the two groups. Results. Cadaver age, sex, and BMI did not differ between groups (p>0.05 for all). Average production cost and time for the patient-specific guides were $29.95 and 4 hours and 40 minutes per guide, respectively. Guidepin version deviation did not differ between the patient-specific and standard guides (1.59º ± 1.60º versus 2.88 º ± 2.11º, respectively, p=0.141). Guidepin inclination deviation was significantly lower in the patient-specific group (1.54º ± 1.58º versus 6.42º ± 5.03º, p=0.009), similarly the dot product angle was lower in the patient-specific compared to standard guide group (2.35º ± 1.66º versus 7.48º ± 4.76º, p=0.005). Glenoid entry site exhibited less deviation for the patient-specific compared to standard guide (0.75mm ± 0.54mm versus 2.05mm ± 1.19mm, p=0.006). Glenoid exit site also was closer to the target for the patient- specific compared to standard group (1.75mm ± 0.99mm versus 4.75mm ± 2.97mm, p=0.010). Conclusion. We present a novel technique for in-house production of 3D-printed, patient-specific glenoid guides for TSA glenoid pin placement. These patient-specific guides improved pin placement accuracy based on 3D-CT measurements compared to standard TSA guides in a cadaveric model. Our patient-specific glenoid guides can be produced on-demand, in-house, inexpensively, and with significantly reduced time compared to commercially available guides. Future studies are required to validate these findings in clinical applications and determine the potential impact on implant longevity

Background. This study was conducted to assess the clinical and radiologic results of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with an allogenic bone graft using varus-valgus constrained (VVC) prostheses in knees with severe bone defects and unstable neuropathy. Methods. This study included 20 knees of 16 patients who underwent TKA between August 2001 and January 2006 due to unstable knees with severe bone destruction resulting from neuropathic arthritis. At the time of surgery, the mean age of the patients was 56 years. The mean length of the follow-up period was 10.7 years. A VVC condylar prosthesis was used with an allogenic femoral head graft to reconstruct large bony defects. Clinical results were evaluated using the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), Knee Society (KS) function, and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) scores. Three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) was used to evaluate the radiological parameters, which included the tibiofemoral angle, loosening or osteolysis of components, and incorporation of the bone graft. Results. The preoperative mean HSS, KS function, and WOMAC scores were 40.5, 43.2, and 78.3, respectively, and these scores improved to 86.0, 64.6, and 33.8 at the final follow-up. The mean postoperative alignment was 6.1° of valgus angulation. One knee had instability, another knee had partial bony absorption, which was confirmed using 3D-CT, and the other 18 cases (90%) had satisfactory results. No cases experienced radiolucency, fracture, or infection. Conclusions. TKA with an allogenic bone graft using a VVC prosthesis provides a viable option for the treatment of severe bone defects with soft tissue insufficiency in neuropathic knee arthropathy. Level of Study: Level IV, therapeutic study

Background. The accurate positioning of the total knee arthroplasty affects the survival of the implants(1). Alignment of the femoral component in relation to the native knee is best determined using pre- and post-operative 3D-CT reconstruction(2). Currently, the scans are visualised on separate displays. There is a high inter- and intra-observer variability in measurements of implant rotation and translation(3). Correct alignment is required to allow a direct comparison of the pre- and post-operative surfaces. This is prevented by the presence of the prostheses, the bone shape alteration around the implant, associated metal artefacts, and possibly a segmentation noise. Aim. Create a novel method to automatically register pre- and post-operative femora for the direct comparison of the implant and the native bone. Methods. The concept is to use post-operative femoral shaft segments free of metal noise and of surgical alteration for alignment with the pre-operative scan. It involves three steps. Firstly, using principal component analysis, the femoral shafts are re-oriented to match the X axis. Secondly, variants of the post-operative scan are created by subtracting 1mm increments from the distal femoral end (Fig1). Thirdly, an iterative closest point algorithm is applied to align the variants with the pre-operative scan. For exploratory validation, this algorithm was applied to a mesh representing the distal half of a 3D scanned femur. The mesh of a prosthesis was blended with the femur to create a post-operative model. To simulate a realistic environment, segmentation and metal artefact noise were added. For segmentation noise, each femoral vertex was translated randomly within +−1mm,+−2mm,+−3mm along its normal vector. To create metal artefact random noise was added within 50 mm of the implant points in the planes orthogonal to the shaft. The alignment error was considered as the average distance between corresponding points which are identical in pre- and post-operative femora. Results. Figure 2 shows, that when the implant zone is completely ignored, the error reaches a minimum plateau to below 1mm level. Different levels of segmentation noise had low impact on error value. Conclusions. These preliminary results obtained within a simulated environment show that by using only the native parts of the femur, the algorithm was able to automatically register the pre- and post-operative scans even in presence of the implant. Its application will allow visualisation of the scans on the same display for the direct comparison of the perioperative scans. This method requires further validation with more realistic noise models and with patient data. Future studies will have to determine if correct alignment has any effect on inter- and intra-observer variability. For figures, please contact authors directly.

Introduction. Medial open wedge high tibial osteotomy (HTO) is a generally accepted surgical method for medial unicompartmental osteoarthritis with varus malalignment of the lower extremity. However, several authors have suggested the possibility of unintentional secondary changes during open wedge HTO, which include posterior tibial slope angle (PTS) change, tibial rotation change and medial–lateral slope change of the knee joint line, may influence knee kinematics and produce poor clinical outcomes. We sought to analyze postoperative changes in three-dimensional planes using a virtual wedge osteotomy 3D model. Pre- and post-operative changes in the medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA) in the coronal plane, posterior tibial slope (PTS) in the sagittal plane, and axial tibial rotation were measured as dependent variables. And this study was attempted to determine their mutual relationships and to clarify which independent variables, including hinge axis angle and gap ratio, affect tibial rotation change and PTS change by applying the identified hinge position. Method. A total of 17 patients with 19 knees underwent HTO and were evaluated with 3D-CT before and after surgery. A 3D model was constructed by applying reverse engineering software. Results. No significant linear correlation was observed between the three dependent variables: MPTA, PTS, and rotational change. Gap ratio (β = −0.2830, p = 0.0007) and hinge axis angle (β = 0.7395, p = 0.0005) were significant factors in determining rotation change with moderate correlation (R2 = 0.546 and 0.520, respectively). In univariate regression analysis, gap ratio (p = 0.6284) and hinge axis angle (p = 0.0968) were not significant factors determining the PTS; however, after controlling for confounder, rotation change, they became statistically significant (hinge axis: β = 0.44, p = 0.0059; gap ratio: β = 0.14, p = 0.0174). Discussion and Conclusion. Unchanged axial rotation is a requisite for constant unchanged PTS, and hinge axis angle have to be considered as an important independent variable for limitation of unintended secondary changes. This study might provide clues about the low reliability of intact slope angle, That is, representability of gap ratio as slope change can be interfered by rotational change, as a confounder. Also, the current study reported the external rotation tendency of proximal tibia with increasing hinge axis angle

Introduction. Kinematics analyses of the spine have been recognized as an effective method for functional analysis of the spine. CT is suitable for obtaining bony geometry of the vertebrae but radiation is a clinical concern. MRI is noninvasive but it is difficult to detect bone edges especially at endplates and processes where soft tissues attach. Kinematics analyses require tracking of solid bodies; therefore, bony geometry is not always necessary for kinematics analysis of the spine. This study aimed to develop a reliable and robust method for kinematics analysis of the spine using an innovative MRI-based 3D bone-marrow model. Materials and Methods. This IRB-approved study recruited 17 patients undergoing lumbar decompression surgery to treat a single-level symptomatic herniation as part of a clinical trial for a new dynamic stabilization device. T1 & T2 sagittal MRI scans were acquired as part of the pre-operative evaluation in three positions: supine and with the shoulders rotated 45° to the left and right to induce torsion of the lumbar spine. 3D bone-marrow models of L5 and S1 at the neutral and rotated positions were created by selecting a threshold level of the bone-marrow intensity at bone-marrow/bone interface. Validated 3D-3D registration techniques were used to track movements of L5 and S1. Segmental movements at L5/S1 during torsion were calculated. Results. Bone-marrow models were created not only in the vertebral body but also in superior/inferior, transverse and spinous processes, pedicles and laminae. Segmental rotation (mean±SD) at L5/S1 was shown to be symmetric for both left and right motions (p=0.149; Left: 1.04°±0.93° and Right: 1.33°±0.80°). The range of motion recorded was: left [0.05°-3.70°] and right [0.35°-3.25°]. These values were equivalent to previously reported values of axial lumbar rotation measured by 3D CT lumbar models. Conclusions. This study demonstrated feasibility of kinematic analyses using the 3D bone-marrow model created with clinical MRI. The bone-marrow model shows the bone-marrow/bone interface geometry –the internal structure of the vertebra rather than outside geometry usually used for kinematic analyses– that is easily and consistently detected due to its high-contrast interface MRI intensity, which does not require lengthy manual tracing of the bony contour. The bone-marrow model includes key elements of the vertebra including posterior elements and the 3D-3D registration technique used for 3D-CT model can be applied (Fig.1). This type of methodology can be used in the clinic to evaluate with sufficient accuracy subject-specific spinal kinematics without exposure to additional radiation. The MRI-based 3D bone-marrow model may also be useful for kinematic analyses of other major joints such as hip, knee, ankle and shoulder joints

Barriers to the adoption of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) by new consultants could be explained by its higher revision rate, to which mal-positioned components contribute. The aim of this study was to determine whether robotic technology enables inexperienced surgeons to perform accurate UKAs when compared to current conventional methods. After randomisation, sixteen trainees who had never performed UKAs performed three medial UKAs (Corin Uniglide), one per week, on dry-bone simulators by either robotic (Sculptor RGA) or conventional methods. They were instructed to match a universal 3D-CT based pre-operative plan that would result from a UKA based on the conventional jigs and operating guide. The knees were laser scanned and software used to compare the planned and actual implant positions. Feedback was given to trainees between attempts. Translational and rotational positioning errors were measured in all six degrees of freedom for both components. At all attempts robotic medial UKAs were more accurate in both translational and rotational alignments for both components reaching statistical significance (p<0.005) at all attempts for rotational errors. Considering outliers, the maximum rotational errors of the robot group was 9° and 7° for the tibial and femoral components respectively. For the conventional group this reached 18° and 16° for the tibial and femoral components respectively. Robotic technology allows inexperienced surgeons to perform medial UKAs on dry bone models with acceptable accuracy and precision on their first attempt. Conventional jigs do not. The adoption of robotic technology might provide new consultants with the confidence to offer UKAs to their patients by limiting the inaccuracies inherent in conventional equipment

Introduction:. The lateral radiographs are useful in evaluation of the acetabular cup anteversion. However, this method was affected by variations in pelvic position and radiographic technique. In this study, we employed the ischial axis (IA) as an anatomical landmark on the lateral radiographs, and we investigated a relationship between IA and the anterior pelvic plane (APP) using three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT). Using these findings, we report a new method for accurate measurement of the acetabular cup anteversion on plain lateral radiographs using IA as an anatomical reference. Materials and Methods:. At first, preoperative3D-CT images were obtained in 109 patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty. The diagnosis was osteoarthritis in all patients. The angle between the IA (defined by a line connecting the anterior edge of the greater sciatic notch and the lesser sciatic notch) and APP (defined by the bilateral anterosuperior iliac spine and the symphysis) was measured on 3D-CT (Fig. 1). Secondly, postoperative lateral radiographs were obtained at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 12 weeks, 24 weeks, and 52 weeks after surgery in 15 patients. The angle between a line tangential to the opening of the cup and a line perpendicular to APP was measured (Fig. 2). Three methods of acetebular cup position assessment were compared: 1) the present method, 2) Woo and Morrey method, and 3) software (2D template, Kyocera) method. Results:. The mean angle between IA and APP was 18.0 ± 3.5°. The mean acetabular cup anteversion measured using present method was 21.3°, Woo and Morrey method was 26.6°, and software method was 21.2°. The mean SDs of present method was 0.64°, Woo and Morrey method was 1.17°, and software method was 0.46°. Conclusions:. APP, considered as vertical in weight bearing, has a relatively consistent relationship between IA. The findings of this study provide a more consistent measurement of acetabular cup by reducing variation due to pelvic position

Introduction. The shuck test was widely used to assess the overall soft-tissue tension around the hip joint during surgery. There have been few attempts to standardize how one evaluates soft tissue tension in total hip arthroplasty. The aim of this study was to ask how reliable the shuck test was as a measure of soft tissue tension in total hip arthroplasty. Methods. First, we assessed the intra- and inter-examiner variability of the force generated in the shuck test. Next, we asked how the strength of traction forces and joint position on the distance of displacement of the prosthetic head at surgery. Twenty-one hip surgeons, consisting of seven experienced hip surgeons, seven junior hip surgeons, and seven surgeons in training were included in the first study. Test subjects were instructed to pull a traction gauge with their customary range of force. Each subject performed two sets of the shuck test in one week interval. Eighteen patients who had cementless THA through postero-lateral approach using 3D-CT based navigation system were enrolled in the second study. After implantation of components, the leg was pull caudally using our original device [Fig. 1]. The strength of applied traction force was 20 %, 30 %, 40 % and 50 % of body weight of each patient. The distance of displacement of a prosthetic head during traction was recorded at flexion angles of 0, 15, 30 and 45 degrees using the navigation system. Internal or external rotation of legs was controlled within 5 degrees. Results. There was a significant difference among examiners in the range of force generated in shuck test. The mean force was 24.1 kg (SD; 6.4, range; 11 to 35). There was no significant difference in the range of force among experienced, junior surgeons and surgeons in training (p=0.11). Intra-class correlation between the tests and re-tests was 0.8. The distance of displacement of prosthetic heads during traction increased with traction forces significantly (p=0.001). There were significant differences in the distance of displacement of prosthetic heads during traction among flexion angles (p=0.001). The femoral head displaced most at the flexion angle of 15 degrees. Conclusion. There were considerable inter-examiner differences in the range of forces generated by the shuck test. The strength of traction forces and flexion angles influenced significantly the distance of displacement of prosthetic heads. It is necessary to standardize the strength of traction forces and flexion angles in order to make the shuck test reliable

ARMD (Adverse Reaction to Metal Debris) is an increasingly recognised complication of metal on metal hip replacements. The MHRA (Medical and Healthcare Related Devices Agency) have advised a blood cobalt or chromium level above 7 mg/L is a threshold for further investigation, stating that “low levels are reassuring and strongly predict not having an adverse outcome”. Cross-sectional imaging should be performed when levels are above 7 mg/L. We have performed a study investigating the specificity and sensitivity of chromium and cobalt metal ion levels as a screening measure for ARMD. 79 ASR hip replacements were performed at our hospital and 75 (95%) of these underwent a Metal Artefact Reduction Sequence (MARS) MRI scan. All patients (64 hips) who had not undergone revision were invited to take part in this study. 57 patients with 62 hip replacements completed hip and activity scores, had blood cobalt and chromium ion level measurements and 3D-CT to measure acetabular component position. Acetabular component inclination (>50 degrees), small head size (< 51mm) and female gender were significantly correlated with raised chromium (Cr) and cobalt (Co) ion levels. An ARMD was detected using MRI in 18 (29%) of the hips in this study. The incidence of ARMD was significantly higher when chromium concentration was above 7 mg/l (p = 0.02). Chromium ion levels >7 mg/L had a sensitivity of 56% and specificity of 83% for ARMD, and cobalt ion levels >7 mg/L 56% and 76% respectively. 40 patients had cobalt levels <7 mg/L and 33 had chromium levels <7 mg/L, but 8 of these had an ARMD on MRI. All 8 patients had minimal symptoms (Oxford Hip Score ≥ 44 out of 48). The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has recommended that cobalt and chromium levels be measured in patients with a metal-on-metal hip replacement and cross-sectional imaging performed when these levels are above 7 μg/L. This study has shown that by using this threshold, in patients with this implant combination, the sensitivity and specificity for the detection of ARMD is low and patients with soft tissue disease may be missed. Furthermore the presence of MRI detected ARMD, in the absence of significant clinical symptoms and with metal ion levels <7 μg/L is of concern. MoM implants at risk of failure are associated with raised cobalt and chromium levels. However metal ion analysis alone is not reliable as a screening tool for ARMD, which is often clinically “silent”. We recommend the routine use of MARS MRI as the safest method of ARMD diagnosis in patients with MoM implants

Introduction. Preoperative planning is an essential procedure for successful total hip arthroplasty. Many studies reported lower accuracy of two-dimensional analogue or digital templating for developmentally dysplastic hips (DDH). There have been few studies regarding the utility of three-dimensional (3D) templating for DDH. The aim of the present study is to assess the accuracy and reliability of 3D templating of cementless THA for hip dysplasia. Methods. We used 86 sets of 3D-CT data of 84 patients who underwent consecutive cementless THA using an anatomical stem and a rim-enlarged cup. There were six men and 78 women with the mean age of 58 years. The diagnosis was developmental dysplasia in 70 hips and osteonecrosis in 14 hips and primary osteoarthritis in 2 hips. There were 53 hips in Crowe group I, 11 hips in Crowe group II and 6 hips in Crowe group III. Each operator performed 3D templating prior surgery using a planning workstation of CT-based navigation system. Planned-versus-achieved accuracy was evaluated. The templating results were categorized as either exact size or +/− 1 size of implanted size. To assess the intra- and inter-planner reliabilities, 3D templating was performed by two authors blinded to surgery twice at an interval of one month. Kappa values were calculated. The accuracy and the intra- and inter-planner reliabilities were compared between the DDH group (70 hips) and the non DDH group (16 hips). Results. There was no significant difference in accuracy of component sizes between the DDH group and the non-DDH group. The accuracy of templating for cup sizes was 76 % for DDH and 75 % for non-DDH group (p=0.95). If accuracy was expanded to include all cups within one size of the implanted size, the accuracy was 97 % and 94 %, respectively (p=0.51). The accuracy of templating for stem sizes was 60 % for the DDH group and 75 % for the non-DDH group (p=0.27). The accuracy within 1 size was 99 % and 94 %, respectively (p=0.25). Regarding intra-planner reliability, mean kappa value for the cup size was 0.67 in the DDH group and 0.81 for the non-DDH group (p=0.18). Mean kappa value for the stem size was 0.64 in the DDH group and 0.79 for the non-DDH group (p=0.18). There were no significant differences in intra-planner reliability between the DDH and non-DDH group. Regarding inter-planner reliability for the cup size, mean kappa value was 0.33 in the DDH group and 0.37 in the non-DDH group (p=0.14). Mean kappa value for the stem size was 0.46 in the DDH group and 0.69 in the non-DDH group (p=0.07). There were no significant differences in inter-planner reliability between the DDH and non-DDH group. Conclusion. The 3D templating for cementless THA was accurate for hip dysplasia. Intra- and inter-planner reliabilities of the 3D templating were comparable with those of other primary diagnosis, while intra-planner reliability of cup sizes was fair regardless of diagnosis

Background. Recent anthropometric studies have suggested that current design of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) does not cater to racial anthropometric differences. The purpose of this study was to investigate the exact sizing and rotational landmarks of the distal femur collected and its gender differences from a large group of healthy Southern Chinese using 3D-CT measurements, and then compare these measurements to the five total knee prostheses conventionally used in China. Methods. This study evaluated distal femoral geometry in 85 healthy Southern Chinese, included 39 females (78 knees) and 46 males (92 knees) with a mean age of 33.9 years，a mean height of 164.7 cm and a mean weight of 59.9 kg. The width of the articular surface as projected onto the transepicondylar line(ML), anteroposterior dimension (AP), the dimensions from medial/lateral epicondyle to posterior condylar (MEP/LEP) were measured. A characterization of the aspect ratio (ML/AP) was made for distal femur. The angles between the tangent line of the posterior condylar surfaces, the Whiteside line, the transepicondylar line, and the trochlear line were measured. The sulcus angle and hip center-femoral shaft angle were also measured [Fig. 1]. The data were compared with the five total knee prostheses conventionally used in China. In analyzing the data, best-fit lines were calculated with use of least-squares regression. The dimensions are summarized as the mean and standard deviation. Comparisons of dimensions between males and females were made with use of the two-sample t test. A p value of <0.05 indicated a significant effect. Results. Within the population, males had larger ML, AP values and aspect ratio than females (ML: 70.44±3.04 vs. 61.40±2.62 mm, P<0.001; AP: 62.26±2.93 vs. 56.49±2.88 mm, P<0.001; 1.06±0.05 vs. 1.11±0.03, P<0.001). In addition, we found a gradual decrease in the aspect ratio corresponding to an increase in AP dimension, as seen in other studies. The transepicondylar axis was a reliable landmark to properly rotate the femoral component, so we used the MEP and LEP evaluate posterior condylar offset, the values were respectively 28.90±3.00 mm and 22.73±2.67 mm. However, most angles were almost the same between males and females. To evaluate the suitability shape of the femoral components currently used in China, we drawed and calculated best-fit lines for the AP, ML dimensions and aspect ratios of the femur and the five prostheses. For females, there was a significant association between the prostheses size and the amount of overhang, the femoral prostheses for females tended to be too large for a given AP dimension, with larger sizes having more overhang, especially in ML dimensions. In males, the morphologic data tended to be bigger than the prosthetic designs in the ML dimension for a given AP dimension, the femoral aspect ratio was higher for smaller knees and proportionally lower for larger knees[Fig. 2, 3]. Conclusion. Because dimensions of the distal femur and the aspect ratio tend to be smaller in Southern Chinese populations, whereas sulcus angles tend to be larger, designs for knee implants should be modified to improve the outcome of surgical treatment in this population