Assessment and correction of patellar maltracking in total knee arthroplasty using computer assisted navigation

摘要

Introduction: Computer assisted navigation improves the accuracy of tibio-femoral bone cuts and ligament balancing during knee replacement (Sparman et al). It can now also be used to address patellar maltracking. Many authors have emphasised that the patello-femoral joint has been relatively neglected. It continues to be a major cause for post-operative complications and patellar tracking can be adversely affected by component design and positioning as well as soft tissue imbalance and bony deformity (Rand). Indeed, lateral release and accurate component alignment is an integral part of optimising patellar tracking and minimising complications (Hsu et al.). However, concerns about the deleterious effects of lateral release would support minimising the frequency and extent of any release, (Christoforakis et al., Laskin et al).