How precise is the determination of rotational alignment of the femoral prosthesis in total knee replacement? An in vivo study

摘要

Introduction: The commonly used methods in aligning the rotation of the femoral prosthesis include (1) reference to the fixed anatomical landmarks (which include an alignment parallel to the transepicondylar axis [TEA], an alignment at 3 degrees external rotation from the posterior condylar line [PCL] and an alignment perpendicular to the Anterior-Posterior Axis, the Leo Whiteside line [WSL]) and (2) reference to the cut surface of the proximal tibia with the knee in ninety-degrees flexion after appropriate balance of the tension of the two collateral ligaments (balanced flexion gap method) (GAP). The merits of each method have been well discussed in the literature in the content of conventional TKR. However, literature on the precision of these methods in aligning the femoral rotation in computer navigation TKR is still lacking.