A soft-tissue defect over an infected total knee replacement (TKR) presents a difficult technical problem that can be treated with a gastrocnemius flap, which is rotated over the defect during the first-stage of a revision procedure. This facilitates wound healing and the safe introduction of a prosthesis at the second stage. We describe the outcome at a mean follow-up of 4.5 years (1 to 10) in 24 patients with an infected TKR who underwent this procedure. A total of 22 (92%) eventually obtained a satisfactory result. The mean Knee Society score improved from 53 pre-operatively to 103 at the latest follow-up (p < 0.001). The mean Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index and Short-Form 12 score also improved significantly (p < 0.001).

This form of treatment can be used reliably and safely to treat many of these complex cases where control of infection, retention of the components and acceptable functional recovery are the primary goals.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1217–21.

Purpose

The mobile-bearing total knee arthroplasty was designed to increase the contact area with the polyethylene bearing, through the functional range of motion, and subsequently decrease the wear rate previously seen in fixed-bearing implants. In the literature there is no clear clinical advantage between the different designs in the short to mid-term follow-up.

The purpose of this study was to compare the results between a cruciate retaining mobile-bearing design (SAL II, Sulzer) and two cruciate retaining fixed-bearing designs (AMK, Depuy, and the Genesis II, Smith and Nephew).

Purpose

Unicompartmental versus total knee arthroplasty has been a debated topic for decades. The purpose of this study was to compare the survivorship and clinical outcomes of a large primary total knee arthroplasty versus unicompartmental knee arthroplasty cohort.

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to determine the rate of conversion from RSA to THR in a number of Canadian centers performing resurfacings

Purpose

The most common procedure for advanced osteoarthritis of the knee is a total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) has become a popular treatment for isolated medial compartment osteoarthritis. The purpose of this study was to look at the functional outcomes following these two procedures.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes and complications of normal weight, class one obese (BMI=30-34.9 kg/m2) and superobese (BMI≥50 kg/m2) primary total knee replacement (TKR) patients.

Purpose

The patella provides a mechanical advantage to the knee extensor mechanism. Patellectomy, performed for trauma or patellofemoral arthrosis, does not preclude the development of tibiofemoral arthrosis. Total knee arthroplasty is the mainstay of treatment for tibiofemoral arthrosis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of total knee arthoplasty in patients who previously underwent patellectomy.

Purpose: Recently, there has been concern raised on the occurrence of pseudotumors after metal on metal hip resurfacing. A pseudotumor is defined as a local soft tissue mass associated with localized bony and/or tissue (muscle) destruction. The primary purpose of this study is to determine the incidence of this complication in several high volume Canadian academic centres.

Method: Nine of the 11 Canadian academic centres who perform metal on metal hip resurfacings were surveyed. The number of metal on metal hip resurfacing arthroplasties performed at each centre was first determined, as were the number of those who have presented with a pseudotumour, and subsequently gone on to revision surgery. The basic demographics of the group were recorded, as were the radiographic and implant design variables for those cases presenting with a pseudotumour.

Results: A sample of 3,400 hip resurfacing arthroplasties performed between 2002 and December 2008 were surveyed. Demographics were tabulated for a sub-sample of these patients. 76% were male, the mean length of follow-up was 3.02 years, mean BMI was 28.65, and mean age was 52.10 years. Three of 3,400 cases presented with a pseudotumour, an incidence of .09%.

Conclusion: Although pseudotumors remain a concern after metal on metal hip resurfacing, the incidence at short to mid term follow-up is very low in this multi-centre academic survey. This information is significantly lower than what other groups have recently reported. Continued close monitoring is required in order to determine what clinical factors are at play.

Purpose: Efforts to decrease polyethylene wear have lead to advances in polyethylene and counter-face technology for total hip replacement. In particular, the use of highly cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) and more recently, oxidized zirconium (Oxinium) heads, have demonstrated significant in-vitro improvements in THR wear. This study reports on the early clinical performance and wear (measured with RSA) of an randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing Oxinium and CoCr heads on XLPE and conventional polyethylene (CPE).

Method: Forty patients were enrolled in a RCT and stratified to receive either an Oxinium (Ox) or CoCr head against either XLPE or CPE (ie 10 patients in each group). All patients had otherwise identical THRs and had tantalum beads inserted in the pelvis and polyethylene for wear analysis. There were no significant differences between groups with respect to patient demographics and the average age was 68 years (range 57–76) at index procedure. RSA wear analysis was performed immediately post-op, at six weeks, three and six months and then at one and two years. All patients are a minimum of four years post-op (average 4.6, range 4 – 5.8). Patients were followed prospectively using validated clinical outcome scores (WOMAC, SF-12, Harris Hip scores) and radiographs.

Results: All health-related outcomes were significantly improved from pre-operative with a mean Harris Hip score and WOMAC at last follow-up of 90.9 and 80.2, respectively. Total 3D femoral head penetration at two years for each group were the following: CoCrXLPE (0.068±0.029mm); OxXLPE (0.115±0.038mm); CoCrCPE (0.187±0.079mm); and OxCPE (0.242±0.088mm). Thus, OxCPE was significantly higher than OxXLPE and CoCrXLPE but not CoCrCPE (p=0.001, p> 0.0001 and p=0.094, respectively). In other words, head penetration was higher with CPE compared to XLPE but there was no significant difference between Ox and CoCr heads. Similarily, regardless of head type (ie combining similar poly types), there was a significant difference in 3D head penetration at two years between CPE and XLPE ( CPE 0.213±0.086; XLPE 0.093±0.041, p> 0.0001).

Conclusion: The early results of this RCT, using RSA as the wear analysis tool, indicate a significant improvement in wear with XLPE compared to CPE. However, it failed to show a clear advantage to the use of Oxinium over CoCr against either polyethylene. Longer follow-up is required to determine steady-state wear rates (after bedding-in) and allow comparison between bearing groups.

Purpose: The Genesis II total knee arthroplasty system was introduced in 1996 as the next evolution in TKR design characterized by “built-in” femoral external rotation and improved trochlear design to optimize patellar tracking and femoral/tibial kinematics, as well as a polished tibial base plate and ethylene-oxide sterilized polyethylene to minimize wear. The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate the long-term (minimum 10 year) clinical and radiographic results and survivorship of this novel TKA implant system.

Method: Between 1996 and 1999, 478 Genesis II Primary TKRs were implanted and followed prospectively in 414 patients (mean follow-up 11.25±1.11 years). Diagnosis at index surgery included: 94% osteoarthritis, 5% inflammatory arthritis, 1% other diagnoses. Average age at index TKR was 68 years (range 38 to 93 years). There were 149 posterior cruciate retaining (31%) and 329 cruciate sacrificing (69%) knees implanted. Patella resurfacing was performed on 89% (432) of the cases. Sixty-seven deaths occurred prior to 10 years follow-up. Patients were followed prospectively using validated clinical outcome scores (WOMAC, SF-12, Knee Society scores) and radiographs. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed.

Results: All health-related outcomes were significantly improved from preoperative with a mean Knee Society Score and WOMAC at last follow-up of 162 and 69, respectively. To date, 16 revision procedures have been performed. Revisions for infection included six two-stage revisions and two cases of irrigation & debridement with polyethylene exchange. In addition, there were three re-operations for stiffness and one for patellar instability. To date, there have been only two revisions for aseptic loosening and/or osteolysis. Excluding revisions for infection, the Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis of the total knee system was 98.9±0.5% at five years and 98.2±0.6% at 10 years.

Conclusion: The Genesis II total knee arthroplasty system, characterized by “built-in” femoral external rotation, improved trochlear design, a polished tibial base plate and ethylene-oxide sterilized polyethylene, has demonstrated excellent clinical & radiographic results and long-term survivorship (98% at 10 years) at our institution.

Purpose: The range of motion after TKA depends on many patient, surgical technique, and implant factors. Recently, high-flexion designs have been introduced as a means of ensuring or gaining flexion after TKA. We therefore evaluated factors affecting postoperative flexion to determine whether implant design influences long-term flexion.

Method: We prospectively collected data on patients receiving a primary Genesis II total knee replacement with a minimum of 1-year followup (mean, 5.4 years; range, 1–13 years). We recorded pre – and postoperative outcome measures, patient demographics, and implant design (cruciate retaining [CR, n = 160], posterior stabilized [PS, n = 1177], high-flex posterior stabilized [HF-PS, n = 197]).

Results: Backward stepwise linear regression modeling revealed the following factors that significantly affected postoperative flexion: preoperative flexion, gender, body mass index, and implant design. Independent of gender, body mass index, and preoperative flexion, patients who received a HF-PS and PS design implant resulted in 8° and 5° more flexion, respectively, than those who received a CR implant. Based on analysis examining pre-operative flexion categories, patients with low flexion preoperatively (< 100°) were more likely to gain flexion, whereas those with high flexion preoperatively (> 120°) were most likely to maintain or lose flexion postoperatively. Controlling for implant design, patients with high flexion preoperatively (> 120°) were more likely to gain flexion with the HF-PS design implant (HF-PS = 32.0%; PS = 15.1%; CR = 4.5%).

Conclusion: In summary, our data demonstrate postoperative range of motion after TKA is related to several factors, confirming the important role of the patient’s preoperative range of motion. In addition, our review suggests knee design and, in particular, the use of a so called “high-flexion” PS polyethylene design may be advantageous in maintaining or improving flexion postoperatively, especially in those patients with good pre-operative range of motion.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the greater than 20 year survivorship of the PCA total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with severe hip osteoarthritis.

Method: A prospective follow-up of 315 consecutive patients treated with a PCA cementless THA in patients with hip osteoarthritis was performed. Patients had postoperative assessments and radiographs every two years. Overall THA, femoral stem and acetabular cup revisions and Kaplan-Meier survivorship was determined. Revision rates and survivorship was also investigated across gender.

Results: The mean age of our patients was 61 years old (range 20 to 86) with 47% female patients. 226 cases used a 26mm articulation and 89 cases a 32mm articulation. At 23 years follow-up, 188(60%) patients were alive with retained implants while 85(27%) were deceased with still implants that were functioning well. Forty-two cases (13%) were revised (30 sockets, 13 stems), five of which later deceased. The 20 year Kaplan Meier survivorship for the overall THA, stem component and acetabular cup were 86%, 97% and 90% respectively. Survivorship of the acetabular cup for 26mm and 32mm articulations was 92% and 85% respectively (p=0.016). Females had a worse THA survivorship than males, 82% and 91% respectively (p=0.036).

Conclusion: The PCA cementless THA has performed well beyond 20 years with 26 mm articulations doing better than 32 mm, and male gender associated with better outcomes. The authors postulate that polyethylene thickness is key to predicting failure.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the mid to long term (minimum 10 years follow-up) survivorship of the AMK total knee arthroplasty (TKA), as well as determine the effect of implant fixation on outcome.

Method: Between 1988 and 2000, 1074 AMK primary total knee arthroplasties were preformed on 843 patients. All diagnosis included, the distribution was 90% osteoarthritis (971), 7% inflammatory arthritis (76) and 3% other diagnoses (27). Average time from surgery was 15 years (range 10–21 years). Average age at primary procedure was 68 years (range 22–99). Fifty-six percent were female (599) and 44% male (475). Preoperative alignment consisted of 56% varus (601) and 17% valgus (182). Ninety percent (968) had patella resurfacing performed, 62% (661) received cemented TKA fixation, on 32% hybrid fixation (cemented femoral component, cementless tibial tray) was performed and 6% (66) had cementless fixation. Two hundred thirty-seven cases were deceased before 20 years follow-up (22%).

Results: At 10 to 21 years follow-up, 129 revisions were performed (12%). The most common reasons for revision were polyethylene wear, particle induced osteolysis, instability and pain (43% of revisions). Implant fixation significantly influenced the rate of revision with cemented fixation having a 6.7% rate of revision (44/661), hybrid fixation a 14% revision rate (47/336) and cementless a 36.4% revision rate (24/66). Excluding infections (11 cases), overall Kaplan-Meier survivorship at five, 10 and 15 years was 96.4%, 91.9% and 85.8%, respectively. At 20 years the predicted Kaplan-Meier survivorship was estimated at 83.5% (no revisions beyond 17.5 years). Cemented fixation was associated with significantly better survivorship than hybrid and cementless fixation (p< 0.0001). At 5, 10 and 15 years cemented AMK TKA survivorship was 97.5%, 94.9% and 91.9% respectively (no revision performed beyond 13.5 years). For hybrid fixation the survival at 5, 10 and 15 years was 97.8%, 92.2% and 85.1% respectively. Cementless AMK THA had a Kaplan-Meier survivor-ship of 88.9%, 78.2% and 57.4% at 5, 10 and 15 years respectively.

Conclusion: Cemented fixation had superior outcomes compared to cementless and hybrid fixation with the most common reasons for revision being polyethylene wear and osteolysis. To our knowledge this the first medium to long term follow-up of the AMK TKA and it demonstrates that method of fixation had a major influence on revision rates and survivorship.

Purpose: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a proven intervention in the management of end-stage knee arthritis. However, the demands of younger, more active patients may result in increased rates of wear and aseptic loosening. The purpose of this study was to assess the long-term outcome of a large cohort of young patients, and to assess if the outcomes of cemented implants differed from non-cemented implants.

Method: Between 1984 and 2003, 350 TKAs were performed in 283 patients who were under 55 years old. Patients were followed a minimum of 5 years. Mean age at time of surgery was 49.0±5.5 years; 64% of patients were female. Primary knee pathologies included degenerative and post-traumatic arthritis (271), inflammatory arthritis (62), and others (17). Multiple implant designs were used; 296 knees were cemented and 54 were non-cemented. The Knee Society Clinical Rating Score (KSCRS) at latest follow-up was calculated. The Kaplan-Meier survivorship was calculated using an endpoint of revision total knee arthroplasty.

Results: Mean follow-up was 8.7±3.4 years. Seventeen knees were revised at a mean of 7.1±4.4 years after the index procedure. Fifteen patients (twenty-five knees) died. Fifty-one patients (sixty-two knees) were lost to follow-up. Sixty patients (sixty-seven knees) had incomplete KSCRS forms. Average function and knee domains of the KSCRS were 70.0±26.7 and 87.3±16.2 respectively. The Kaplan-Meier survival at five, ten, and fifteen years was 0.965±0.011, 0.941±0.015, and 0.933±0.017. The rate of revision was 5.9%. There was no statistically significantly difference observed between the outcomes of cemented and non-cemented implants, male and female patients, or inflammatory versus non-inflammatory arthritis.

Conclusion: This study demonstrates that total knee replacement in younger patients can demonstrate excellent survival rates free of revision. There does not appear to be an obvious survival advantage of cementless designs, or difference in outcomes based on sex of the patient or primary diagnosis of inflammatory or non-inflammatory arthritis.

Purpose: Approximately, 10% of two-stage TKA revisions for deep sepsis become re-infected. The purpose of this study was to determine the success in terms of sepsis eradication and factors associated with failure of repeat two-stage revision TKA.

Method: Between 1991 and 2006, 129 two-stage revision TKRs for deep sepsis were performed. Ten cases which became re-infected were identified. These unfortunate patients, representing 8% of all the two-stage TKA revisions performed during this time period, are the focus of this study. Their progress and treatment interventions were followed for the purposes of this study.

Results: Ten patients were identified with a two-stage revision TKA which became re-infected. Mean patient age was 72 with 40 % being female. Following recurrent sepsis all patients went on to require more than one further two-stage revision (mean 3.67 further revision surgeries). Infection was only successfully eradicated in 28.7% of cases, the remaining require chronic suppressive therapy or have ongoing active infection. Two patients went on to have an arthrodesis (both remain on suppressive anti-biotics) and one patient had trans-femoral amputation. Staph Aureus and Coagulase neg Staph accounted for 80% of primary infective organisms with only one primary infection with methicillin resistant staph aureus (MRSA). Cultures at subsequent revisions were the same organism in 67% cases. Additional organism cultured included Pseudomonas and Propionibacterium. These patients had an increased incidence of multiple medical co-morbidities including Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus and Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Conclusion: Patients with recurrent sepsis after a two-stage revision for infection in TKR all required multiple further surgeries. Eradication of infection was only achieved in 28.7% cases. Risk factors for recurrent sepsis include Rheumatoid Arthritis and Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Purpose: There is no consensus whether the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)should be preserved (CR) or sacrificed (CS) during primary total knee replacement (TKR). The purpose of this study was to compare the greater than 10 year survivorship and health related outcomes of CR and CS TKRs using a single implant system.

Method: Between 1996 and 2000, 478 Genesis II Primary TKRs were inserted in 414 patients. Excluding those with a primary diagnosis other than osteoarthritis, body mass index greater then 40, history of prior patellectomy, fusion or osteotomy, 358 cases in 310 patients were included. 134 (37%) had a PCL preserving (CR) and 224 (63%) had a PCL sacrificing implant (CS). The two patient cohorts were compared for Kaplan-Meier survivorship, health-related outcomes (Knee Society scores, WOMAC, SF-12), range of motion (ROM) and radiographic loosening or wear.

Results: Mean follow-up was 11.87±1.04 years for CR and 10.96±0.87 years for CS (p=0.001). Four cases were revised for infection. No significant differences were noted between the CR and CS Genesis II cohorts at 10 year Kaplan-Meier survivorship excluding infections (CR 0.984±0.011, CS 0.986±0.008, p=0.30). Overall revisions were two for CR (1.5%, no infections) and seven for CS (1.7%, four for infection; 1.3% excluding infections). Revision rates were not significantly different between groups including or excluding infections (p=0.493 and p=1.00 respectively). CS had significantly greater postoperative ROM than CR (CS=114.20±13.60, CR=111.35±12.38, p=0.024). At 10 years, no differences were observed in satisfaction, health-related outcomes or radiographic wear/loosening. Crepitus was reported more frequently in CS design.

Conclusion: Most studies comparing PCL sacrificing (CS) versus retaining (CR) TKRs are short term. In this large, long term, single implant CR versus CS study, no differences were found in Kaplan-Meier survivorship, health-related outcomes or patient satisfaction. The CS design had more range of motion, but also a higher incidence of peripatellar crepitus than the CR design. We conclude that both CR and CS TKR designs can yield excellent long term clinical outcomes.

Purpose: High contact stresses and wear after total knee replacement (TKR) has been a problem. Mobile bearing TKRs have been advocated as a means to increase load bearing area, reduce contact stresses and minimize wear. The purpose of this study was to compare two, large, consecutive cohorts of TKR patients with greater than 10 years follow-up, one with a fixed bearing and one with a mobile bearing design.

Method: One hundred and three SAL II mobile bearing TKR’s were compared to a gender, age, BMI and time from surgery matched fixed bearing Genesis II cohort of equal size. All surgeries were performed between September 1993 and December 2000 (average follow-up, 11.64±1.64 years). Inclusion criteria included patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. Exclusion criteria included revision arthroplasty, inflammatory arthritis, a prior osteotomy or a prior patellectomy. The > 10 year Kaplan-Meier survivorship, health-related outcomes (Knee Society scores, WOMAC and SF-12), radiographs and retrieved implants for the fixed and mobile bearing TKR cohorts were compared.

Results: Fixed bearing TKRs demonstrated better 10 year Kaplan-Meier survivorships for any re-operation, 1.000±0.000 compared to 0.969±0.018 for mobile bearings (Genesis II and SAL I/II respectively). Revision rates were significantly different between groups with fixed bearing having no revisions and mobile four revisions (3.9%). No cases were revised for sepsis. Mobile bearing revisions were for pain (1), patellar maltracking (1), polyethylene wear (1) and aseptic loosening (1). At 10 years, health-related outcomes were similar between the two cohorts. Fixed bearing TKRs demonstrated more range of motion (111.42±12.76 vs 107.19±14.74 degrees) although not significant (p=0.052). Wear was more frequently noted in mobile bearing TKRs on > 10 year radiographs.

Conclusion: In this comparison of two contemporary TKRs, the fixed bearing TKR outperformed the mobile bearing TKR.

Purpose: The Synergy femoral component was introduced in late 1996 as a second generation titanium proximally porous-coated tapered stem with dual offsets (standard & high) to help better restore femoral offset at THR. The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate the long-term (minimum 10 year) clinical and radiographic results and survivorship of this second-generation femoral component at our institution.

Method: From December 1996 to December 1999, 256 cementless Synergy femoral components were inserted and followed prospectively in 254 patients requiring THR. 185 were standard offset stems(72.3%) while 71 stems (27.7%) were high offset. The average follow-up was 11.2 years (range 10.0 to 12.9 years). Average age at index THR was 58.9 years (range 19 to 86 years). Two hundred eight stems had standard porous coating while 48 had additional HA coating. Fifty-two cases were either lost to follow-up or had died prior to 10 years follow-up. Patients were followed prospectively using validated clinical outcome scores (WOMAC, SF-12, Harris Hip scores) and radiographs. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed.

Results: All health-related outcomes were significantly improved from pre-operative with a mean Harris Hip score and WOMAC at last follow-up of 91.6 and 81.8, respectively. From the initial 256 femoral stems inserted, only 5 stems have been revised. Two stems have been revised for infection. To date, only one stem has been revised due to subsidence at nine months following surgery likely, as a result of a calcar fracture occurring at the index THR. Two stems were revised for peri-prosthetic fracture as a result of patient falls at six months and 9.8 years post-op. Radiographic review of remaining stems in-situ identified no cases of loosening with all stems showing evidence of osseous integration. The Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis of the femoral component, with revision for aseptic loosening, was 99.2%±0.008 at five, 10 and 12 years.

Conclusion: The Synergy femoral component, a second generation titanium proximally porous-coated tapered stem design with dual offsets, has demonstrated excellent clinical & radiographic results and long-term survivorship (99% at 10 years) at our institution.

Purpose: The purpose of this prospective blinded randomized control trial was to compare the stem migration of two cemented stem designs using radiostereometric analysis (RSA). This was essentially a safety study in which our hypothesis was that the newer design (CPCS, Smith and Nephew Inc) would demonstrate similar micro-motion to the well-established Exeter (Stryker) design.

Method: Thirty patients were consented and enrolled into a blinded RCT in which 15 patients received a dedicated RSA CPCS stem and 15 patients received a RSA Exeter stem. Both stems are collarless tapered polished cemented stems, the only difference being a slight lateral to medial taper with the CPCS design. Outcome measures were compared (Hip Society Score, WOMAC, SF-12). RSA analysis was conducted immediately postoperatively, at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year and 2 years.

Results: No difference was found in any of the outcome measures pre-operatively or postoperatively. At 2 years, stem subsidence for the CPCS stem was approximately half that seen for the Exeter stem (0.565±0.189mm and 0.981±0.209mm respectively, p< 0.0001). In contrast, posterior (internal) rotation of the CPCS was approximately twice that of the Exeter stem (1.496±1.215° and 0.716±0.818° respectively, p=0.221). Other migration patterns were no different between stems.

Conclusion: As expected with this stem design, both stems showed some axial and rotational migration within the cement mantle. The subtle differences in design may explain the differences in migration patterns. Our data suggests that the newer CPCS design should perform well over the long-term.

Purpose: Accurate measurement of dynamic joint motion remains a clinical challenge. To address this problem, we have developed a low-dose clinical procedure using the Roentgen Single-plane Photogrammetric Analysis (RSPA) technique. A validation study was performed in a clinical setting, using a conventional digital flat-panel radiography system.

Method: To validate the technique, three experiments were performed: assessment of static accuracy, dynamic repeatability and measurement of effective dose. A knee joint phantom, imbedded with tantalum markers, was utilized for the experiments. Relative spatial positions of the markers were reconstructed using Radiostereometric Analysis (RSA). A digital flat-panel radiography system was used for image acquisition, and the three-dimensional pose of each segment was determined from single-plane projections by applying the RSPA technique. All images were processed using software developed in-house. To assess static accuracy, the phantom was mounted onto a three-axis translational stage and moved through a series of displacements ranging from 0 to 500 μm. Images of the phantom were acquired at each position. Accuracy was calculated by analyzing differences between reconstructed and applied displacements. To assess dynamic repeatability, the phantom was mounted on a six-axis robot, programmed to apply a flexion-extension movement to the joint. Multiple cine acquisitions of the moving phantom were acquired (30 fps, 4 ms exposure). Repeatability was calculated by analyzing the variation between motions reconstructed from repeated acquisitions. The effective dose of the procedure was measured using an ion-chamber dosimeter. The ion chamber was positioned between the phantom and x-ray source, facing the source. Entrance exposure was measured for multiple acquisitions, from which the effective dose was calculated.

Results: The accuracy determined from the static assessment was 25 μm and 450μm at the 95% confidence intervals for translations parallel and orthogonal to the image plane, respectively. Repeatability of the motion reconstructed from dynamic acquisitions was better than ± 200 μm for translations and ± 0.1 for rotations. The average effective dose for a 6 second dynamic acquisition was approximately 2μSv.

Conclusion: The proposed clinical procedure demonstrates both a high degree of accuracy and repeatability, and delivers a low effective dose.