Introduction

The KneeAlign2 (OrthAlign, Inc., Aliso Viejo, CA) is a portable accelerometer-based navigation device for use in performing the distal femoral resection in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This device works as a computer-assisted surgical system. It does not require the use of a large console for registration and alignment feedback.(image1,2)

Introduction

There have been many attempts to reduce the risk of femoral component loosening.

Using a tapered stem having a highly polished stem surface results in stem stabilization subsequent to debonding and stem-cement taper-lock and is consistent with force-closed fixation design.

In previous congress of ISTA in Hawaii, we reported the results about accuracy of the cup center position in our image-free navigation system. In the new version of our navigation system, leg elongation and offset change as well as cup center position can be navigated. In this study, we therefore investigated the accuracy of cup center position, leg elongation and offset change.

Twenty four THA operations were performed with using the image-free OrthoPilot THA3.1 dysplasia navigation system (B. Braun Aesculap, Tuttlingen, Germany) between August 2009 and December 2009 by three experienced surgeons. In this system, cup center height was shown as the distance from tear drop, and cup medialization was shown as horizontal distance from inner wall of acetabulum. Leg elongation and offset change were navigated by comparing the two reference points in femur between registration before neck resection and that after inserting the trial implant. After operation, the cup angles were measured on CT image, and cup center position, leg elongation and offset change were measured on plain radiography. We compared these values that indicated by the navigation system to those measured on the CT image and the plain radiography.

The average cup inclination was 37.5 ± 7.0 degree and anteversion was 22.2 ± 4.7 degree. The average absolute difference between navigation and measured angles were 5.2 ± 4.0 degree in inclination, 5.9 ± 4.0 degree in anteversion. The difference of cup height was 5.8 ± 3.9 mm, cup medialization was 3.8 ± 2.7 mm, leg elongation was 4.3±3.3mm, and offset was 5.4±4.1mm, respectively.

By using this new version navigation system, we can plan the cup center position and navigate it within smaller error of vertical and horizontal direction than the previous system. Moreover, leg elongation and offset change can be satisfactory navigated during operation. However surgeon's skill and learning curve might have influence the accuracy. We have to continue to evaluate this system and make effort to further improvement.