Aims. No predictive model has been published to forecast operating time for total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The aims of this study were to design and validate a predictive model to estimate operating time for robotic-assisted TKA based on demographic data, and evaluate the added predictive power of CT scan-based predictors and their impact on the accuracy of the predictive model. Methods. A retrospective study was conducted on 1,061 TKAs performed from January 2016 to December 2019 with an image-based robotic-assisted system. Demographic data included age, sex, height, and weight. The femoral and tibial mechanical axis and the osteophyte volume were calculated from CT scans. These inputs were used to develop a predictive model aimed to predict operating time based on demographic data only, and demographic and 3D patient anatomy data. Results. The key factors for predicting operating time were the surgeon and patient weight, followed by 12 anatomical parameters derived from CT scans. The predictive model based only on demographic data showed that 90% of predictions were within 15 minutes of actual operating time, with 73% within ten minutes. The predictive model including demographic data and CT scans showed that 94% of predictions were within 15 minutes of actual operating time and 88% within ten minutes. Conclusion. The primary factors for predicting robotic-assisted TKA operating time were surgeon, patient weight, and osteophyte volume. This study demonstrates that incorporating 3D patient-specific data can improve operating time predictions models, which may lead to improved operating room planning and efficiency. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(5):383–389

Aims. The transepicondylar axis is a well-established reference for the determination of femoral component rotation in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, when severe bone loss is present in the femoral condyles, rotational alignment can be more complicated. There is a lack of validated landmarks in the supracondylar region of the distal femur. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the correlation between the surgical transepicondylar axis (sTEA) and the suggested dorsal cortex line (DCL) in the coronal plane and the inter- and intraobserver reliability of its CT scan measurement. Methods. A total of 75 randomly selected CT scans were measured by three experienced surgeons independently. The DCL was defined in the coronal plane as a tangent to the dorsal femoral cortex located 75 mm above the joint line in the frontal plane. The difference between sTEA and DCL was calculated. Descriptive statistics and angulation correlations were generated for the sTEA and DCL, as well as for the distribution of measurement error for intra- and inter-rater reliability. Results. The external rotation of the DCL to the sTEA was a mean of 9.47° (SD 3.06°), and a median of 9.2° (IQR 7.45° to 11.60°), with a minimum value of 1.7° and maximum of 16.3°. The measurements of the DCL demonstrated very good to excellent test-retest and inter-rater reliability coefficients (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.80 to 0.99). Conclusion. This study reveals a correlation between the sTEA and the DCL. Overall, 10° of external rotation of the dorsal femoral cortical bone to the sTEA may serve as a reliable landmark for initial position of the femoral component. Surgeons should be aware that there are outliers in this study in up to 17% of the measurements, which potentially could result in deviations of femoral component rotation. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(12):1067–1071

Aims. This study aimed to evaluate if total knee arthroplasty (TKA) femoral components aligned in either mechanical alignment (MA) or kinematic alignment (KA) are more biomimetic concerning trochlear sulcus orientation and restoration of trochlear height. Methods. Bone surfaces from 1,012 CT scans of non-arthritic femora were segmented using a modelling and analytics system. TKA femoral components (Triathlon; Stryker) were virtually implanted in both MA and KA. Trochlear sulcus orientation was assessed by measuring the distal trochlear sulcus angle (DTSA) in native femora and in KA and MA prosthetic femoral components. Trochlear anatomy restoration was evaluated by measuring the differences in medial, lateral, and sulcus trochlear height between native femora and KA and MA prosthetic femoral components. Results. Femoral components in both MA and KA alignments exhibited a more valgus DTSA compared to native femora. However, DTSA deviation from native was significantly less in KA than in MA (4.8° (SD 2.2°) vs 8.8° (SD 1.8°); p < 0.001). DTSA deviation from native orientation correlated positively with the mechanical lateral distal femoral angle (mLDFA) in KA and negatively in MA (r = 0.53, p < 0.001; r = -0.18, p < 0.001). Medial trochlear height was not restored with either MA or KA, with MA resulting in lower medial trochlear height than KA in the proximal 20% of the trochlea. Lateral and sulcus trochlear height was not restored with either alignment in the proximal 80% of the trochlea. At the terminal arc point, KA replicated sulcus and lateral trochlear height, while MA led to over-restoration. Conclusion. Femoral components aligned in KA demonstrated greater biomimetic qualities than those in MA regarding trochlear sulcus orientation and trochlear height restoration, particularly in valgus femora. Variability across knees was observed, warranting further research to evaluate the clinical implications of these findings. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(8):817–825

Aims

To perform an incremental cost-utility analysis and assess the impact of differential costs and case volume on the cost-effectiveness of robotic arm-assisted unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (rUKA) compared to manual (mUKA).

Abstract. Introduction. Mako robotic assisted knee arthroplasty requires a planning CT scan within 8 weeks of surgery according to the supplier's protocol. This is often impractical, therefore we evaluated whether CT scans remain valid for an extended period. Methodology. Patients undergoing Mako partial (PKA) and total (TKA) knee arthroplasty were identified from our hospital database. The hospital PACS system was used to define the time interval between the initial planning CT scan and surgery, and whether further imaging was required prior to surgery. Results. 443 consecutive Mako cases (225 TKA and 218 PKA) were undertaken between November 2019 and December 2021 (33 cases to March 2020, and 410 cases from August 2020). CT scans were done within 8 weeks of surgery in 229 patients (51.7%); between 8 and 24 weeks in 148 patients (33.4%); between 24 and 48 weeks in 53 patients (12.0%); and more than 48 weeks in 13 patients (2.9%). Repeat pre-operative radiographs were done in the first 43 patients with a delay to surgery of more than 8 weeks following their CT scan. No gross anatomical changes were identified, and this practice was therefore discontinued. No patients required a repeat CT scan. There were no intra-operative registration errors in any patient in this series. Conclusion. Planning CT scans were valid for up to one year in a large series of patients undergoing Mako PKA and TKA. This may allow for more cost-effective use of resources, while minimising irradiation to patients

Abstract. INTRODUCTION. COVID-19 reduced availability of cross-sectional imaging, prompting the need to clinically justify pre-operative computed tomography (CT) in tibial plateau fractures (TPF). The study purpose was to establish to what extent does a CT alter the pre-operative plan in TPF compared to radiographs. There is a current paucity of evidence assessing its impact on surgical planning. METHODOLOGY. 50 consecutive TPF with preoperative CT were assessed by 4 consultant surgeons. Anonymised radiographs were assessed defining the column classification, planned setup, approach, and fixation technique. At a 1-month interval, randomised matched CT scans were assessed and the same data collected. A tibial plateau disruption score (TPDS) was derived for all 4 quadrants (no injury=0,split=1,split/depression=2 and depression=3). Radiograph and CT TPDS were assessed using an unpaired T-test. RESULTS. 26 female and 24 male patients, mean age 50.3, were included. Mean TPDS on radiographs and CT scans were 2.77 and 3.17 respectively. A significant higher net CT TPDS was observed of 0.4 (95%CI 0.10-0.71)[P=0.0093]. Both radiograph and CT TPDS ANOVA were significant (P<0.0001), showing high intraobserver variability for TPF classification. Fracture apex requiring fixation changed in 34% of cases between the radiographs and CT, whilst set-up and surgical approach changed in 27% and 28.5% of cases respectively. All surgeons agreed no CT was required in only 11 out of 50 cases. CONCLUSION. CT scanning in TPF significantly affects the classification, setup, approach and fixation technique when compared to radiographs alone and can justifiably be requested as part of pre-operative planning

Introduction. Our purpose is to analyze the true costs associated with preoperative CT scans performed for robotic assisted TKA planning and also to determine the value of a formal radiologist reading of these studies. Methods. We reviewed 194 CT scans of 176 sequential patients who underwent primary RTKA by a single surgeon at a suburban teaching hospital. CT radiology reports were reviewed for the presence of incidental findings that might result in change of care to the patient. Actual payments for technical and professional components of the CT scans were retrieved for 170 of the 176 patients. Any patient payments for the CT scan were also recorded. Results. In no CT scan report was there any findings other than arthritis in the knee and nothing was identified that lead to a recommendation for any additional testing. The mean total payment for a preoperative CT scan was $253 (range 0 – 912). The mean technical payment was $206 (range 0 – 856). The mean professional component paid was $48 (range 0 – 66). On average patients personally paid $56 (range 0 – 618). In 99/170 cases (58 %), the patients made no payment. For the remaining 71 patients the mean payment made was $134 (range 10 – 618). Discussion and Conclusion. No CT scan identified any clinical problem other than arthritis – this suggests that the professional component cost of this specific CT scan could be eliminated without harm to patients. The cost of the CT scan – mean <$300 – is low and a minimal part of the total overall cost of a primary TKA. Patients understand the value of the CT scan - preoperative advanced imaging helps ensure a precise and accurate intraoperative experience – and they are willing to pay for any of their costs related to this preoperative test. For figures, tables, or references, please contact authors directly

Abstract. Introduction. A lipohaemarthrosis seen on Horizontal beam lateral X-ray in acute knee injury is often considered predictive of an intra-articular fracture requiring further urgent imaging. Methodology. We retrospectively searched a five-year X-ray database for the term “lipohaemarthrosis”. We excluded cases if the report concluded “no lipohaemarthrosis” or “lipohaemarthrosis” AND “fracture”. All remaining cases were reviewed by an Orthopaedic Consultant with a special interest in knee injuries (AD) blinded to the report. X-rays were excluded if a fracture was seen, established osteoarthritic change was present, a pre-existing arthroplasty present or no lipohaemarthrosis present. Remaining cases were then studied for any subsequent Radiological or Orthopaedic surgical procedures. Results. 136 cases were identified and reviewed by an Orthopaedic Consultant. 31 were excluded for no lipohaemarthrosis (n= 11), for degenerative change (n=9), for fracture (n=4), for existing arthroplasty (n=4) and for data errors (n=3). The remaining 105 patients had a mean age of 32, and range 5–90 years. 66 patients underwent further imaging in the form of MRI scan (n=47), CT Scan (n=9) repeat x-rays (n=9) and ultrasound (n=1). 27 fractures were identified. Surgery was performed in 12 cases (11%). Two (2%) urgently (One ACL reconstruction plus meniscus repair, one for ORIF of tibial plateau fracture). Ten (10%) had elective surgery (6 for ACL reconstruction, 2 for ACL reconstruction plus meniscus repair, 2 for loose body removal. Conclusion. The presence of a lipohaemarthrosis on x-ray following acute knee injury was a poor predictor of intra-articular fracture (26%) or need for urgent surgery (2%)

Abstract. Introduction. The outcome of revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACL-R) is guarded, particularly their return to sports activities. It is important to know the factors affecting the functional outcomes following a revision ACL-R. Methods. We analysed results from 39 patients, who underwent a revision ACL reconstruction by a single surgeon and was followed up over a year. Some of them were treated in 2-stage revision while the rest were single-stage revision, depending upon their size of bone tunnel or osteolysis as assessed by pre-operative CT scan. Result. We analysed data from 39 patients with a mean age of 31 (17–52) and an average follow-up of 3.6 years (2–5 years). The average KOOS quality of life score was 58.94 (±23.02) and the mean Lysholm score was 89.48 (±10.1). Medial meniscal tear was significantly correlated with Lysholm score (p<0.005), but not with KOOS-QOL. Tear in lateral meniscus was not related significantly. Patients having Grade II or above cartilage damage showed inferior outcomes in terms of Lysholm score and poor return to sports, and it was statistically significant (p<0.02). There was no significant differences in outcomes between single stage revision and 2-stage revision (p=0.336). 15 patients (42.5%) returned to their pre-injury sports activities after revision surgery with the mean return to sports score of 58.65 (±16.1). Conclusions. The long-term functional outcome after revision ACL reconstruction is satisfactory, but not the return to sports. Expectations on outcome should be carefully managed particularly those having concomitant medial meniscal injury or cartilage damage

Abstract. Introduction. Coronal plane alignment of the knee (CPAK) classification utilises the native arithmetic hip-knee alignment to calculate the constitutional limb alignment and joint line obliquity which is important in pre-operative planning. The objective of this study was to compare the accuracy and reproducibility of measuring the lower limb constitutional alignment with the traditional long leg radiographs versus computed tomography (CT) used for pre-operative planning in robotic-arm assisted TKA. Methods. Digital long leg radiographs and pre-operative CT scan plans of 42 patients (46 knees) with osteoarthritis undergoing robotic-arm assisted total knee replacement were analysed. The constitutional alignment was established by measuring the medial proximal tibial angle (mPTA), lateral distal femoral angle (LDFA), weight bearing hip knee alignment (WBHKA), arithmetic hip knee alignment (aHKA) and joint line obliquity (JLO). Furthermore, the Coronal Plane Alignment of the Knee (CPAK) classification was utilised to classify the patients based on their coronal knee alignment phenotype. Results. Mean age of the patients was 66 years (SD 9) and mean BMI 31.2 (SD 3.9). There were 27 left and 19 right sided surgeries. The Pearson's corelation coefficient was 0.722 (p=0.008) for WBHKA; 0.729 (p<0.001) for MPTA; 0.618 (p=0.14) for aHKA; 0.502 (p= 0.04) for LDFA and 0.305 (p=0.234) for JLO. CPAK classification was concordant for 53% study participants between the two groups. Conclusion. Three-dimensional CT-based modelling with computer software more accurately predicts constitutional limb alignment and JLO as defined by the CPAK classification compared to plain long-leg radiographs in pre-operative planning of total knee arthroplasty

Introduction. Pressure to control health care costs may limit the ability of new implants to enter the market. Customized individually made (CIM) knee implants are produced from CT scans of each patient and may result in improved clinical outcomes based on early data showing less blood loss, reduced bone resection, and better implant function and alignment. Limited economic evidence suggests that the use of CIM technology may result in cost savings, particularly when post-discharge expenses are included. The purpose of this study was to evaluate real-world cost data to determine episode spending in a Medicare population receiving either CIM or off-the-shelf (OTS) implants. Methods. The Yale Center for Musculoskeletal Care and Baker Tilly Healthcare Management reviewed episode expenditures among Medicare beneficiaries who received CIM and OTS implants for TKA between 01/01/2015 and 12/31/2015. Episode costs included the pre-operative CT scan, index TKA procedure, and 12-month post-index spending for inpatient (IP), outpatient (OP), emergency room (ER), skilled nursing facility (SNF), and home health (HH) services. CIM patients were identified through a matching process utilizing de-identified patient demographic and procedural information and the presence of a CT scan 28–365 days before index. OTS patients included those without a CT scan within one year of index. CIM and OTS cohorts were propensity matched to produce comparable cohorts at a one-to-five ratio based on age range, gender, race, geographical location, and comorbidities. Average expenditure was used to calculate one-year costs of care differences between the CIM and the OTS technologies. A Generalized Linear Model (GLM) and two-part model (logistics and GLM) were used to test statistical significance. Results. The study included 4,434 patients (CIM: 739, OTS: 3,695). CIM index hospital expenses were 6.5% less than OTS (CIM: $11,579; OTS: $12,386, p<0.0001). CIM patients were 37.5% less likely to incur SNF costs than OTS patients (CIM: 3.0% vs. OTS: 4.8%; p=0.0241) and had 45.1% lower average SNF expenditures (CIM: $8,882 vs. OTS: $16,183; p=0.0236). There was no difference in the probability of incurring post-index IP costs (CIM: 15.7% vs. OTS: 15.4%; p=0.9437) but average post-index IP expenditures were 27.2% lower among the CIM cohort than OTS (CIM: $12,817 vs. OTS: $17,605; p=0.0008). However, CIM patients were 10.5% more likely to incur OP costs (CIM: 90.9% vs. OTS: 85.7%; p=0.0005) and had 6.1% higher average OP expenditures (CIM: $2,328 vs. OTS: $2,106; p=0.0377). Average 12-month episode spending for the CIM cohort was 8.4% less than the OTS cohort ($1,697 Difference; CIM: $18,585 vs. OTS: $20,280; p<0.0001). Conclusion. Study findings demonstrate that the use of CIM technology can result in significant 12-month episode savings among a Medicare population. The average expenditure differences noted for post-index IP, SNF, and OP cost categories suggest there are differences in required post-operative treatment across the two cohorts. Savings calculated in the analysis is a meaningful reduction for payers. Providers may also benefit from index and episode cost savings through shared savings arrangements. CIM technology should be considered as a method to reduce TKA episode spending

Aims. The aim of this study was to analyze the true costs associated with preoperative CT scans performed for robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty (RATKA) planning and to determine the value of a formal radiologist’s report of these studies. Methods. We reviewed 194 CT reports of 176 sequential patients who underwent primary RATKA by a single surgeon at a suburban teaching hospital. CT radiology reports were reviewed for the presence of incidental findings that might change the management of the patient. Payments for the scans, including the technical and professional components, for 330 patients at two hospitals were also recorded and compared. Results. There were 82 incidental findings in 61 CT studies, one of which led to a recommendation for additional testing. Across both institutions, the mean total payment for a preoperative scan was $446 ($8 to $3,870). The mean patient payment was $71 ($0 to $2,690). There was wide variation in payments between the institutions. In Institution A, the mean total payment was $258 ($168 to $264), with a mean patient payment of $57 ($0 to $100). The mean technical payment in this institution was $211 ($8 to $856), while the mean professional payment was $48 ($0 to $66). In Institution B, the mean total payment was $636 ($37 to $3,870), with a mean patient payment of $85 ($0 to $2,690). Conclusion. The total cost of a CT scan is low and a minimal part of the overall cost of the RATKA. No incidental findings identified on imaging led to a change in management, suggesting that the professional component could be eliminated to reduce costs. Further studies need to take into account the patient perspective and the wide variation in total costs and patient payments across institutions and insurances. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(6 Supple A):79–84

Objectives. Successful total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is predicated on accurate bony resection, mechanical alignment and component positioning. An active robotic TKA system is designed to achieve reliable and accurate bony resection based upon a preoperatively developed surgical plan. Surgical resections are executed intra-operatively according to this pre-operative plan. The goal of this study was to determine the accuracy of final implant positioning and alignment using this active robotic device, as well as its early clinical outcomes. Materials and Methods. An FDA prospective study under investigational device exemption was conducted from 2017–2018. Pre-operative CT scans were used to create a pre-operative plan using the TSolution One? Surgical System (THINK Surgical, Inc). TKA was performed using a standard approach, with planned and robotically executed femoral and tibial resections. Subjects completed 3-month follow-up with post-operative CT scans. A validated method was used to compare pre- and post-operative CT scans to determine differences between planned and achieved implant position. Femoral and tibial component sizing, and mean differences in implant position and alignment were compared. Short Form 12 Physical (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS) scores as well as Knee Society (Objective and Functional) scores at 12 weeks post-operatively were compared with pre-operative scores. Paired-sample t-tests were used for comparisons. Results. Fifty-five subjects whom underwent active robotic TKA and completed 3-month follow-up and were included for analysis. Proximal-distal, antero-posterior and varus-valgus translations, and flexion-extension, internal-external rotations for the FEMUR were statistically different from plan, but the differences were small (<1.7mm, <0.6 deg- p<0.04 for all) and of no clinical significance. The proximal-distal and flexion-extension rotational alignment were also statistically different for the TIBIA but clinically minimal (<0.7 mm, p<0.005). There was no difference in hip-knee angle between planned and post-operative measurements (0 ± 2 degrees p=0.900). No infections, neurovascular, tendon or ligament injuries or fractures were identified. There were no differences in femoral sizing in any case, and 3 tibial components differed by one size. Furthermore, SF-12 PCS and Knee Society (Objective and Functional) scores all statistically improved from pre-operatively to 12 weeks post-operatively (p<0.001 for all), however SF-12 MCS did not improve at 12-weeks (p=0.600). Conclusion. The findings of this early clinical study suggest minimal deviations in final implant position from the pre-operative plan, with improvements in clinical outcome scores and no complications in early follow-up

Aims. The purpose of this study was to explore the correlation between femoral torsion and morphology of the distal femoral condyle in patients with trochlear dysplasia and lateral patellar instability. Methods. A total of 90 patients (64 female, 26 male; mean age 22.1 years (SD 7.2)) with lateral patellar dislocation and trochlear dysplasia who were awaiting surgical treatment between January 2015 and June 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent CT scans of the lower limb to assess the femoral torsion and morphology of the distal femur. The femoral torsion at various levels was assessed using the a) femoral anteversion angle (FAA), b) proximal and distal anteversion angle, c) angle of the proximal femoral axis-anatomical epicondylar axis (PFA-AEA), and d) angle of the AEA–posterior condylar line (AEA-PCL). Representative measurements of distal condylar length were taken and parameters using the ratios of the bianterior condyle, biposterior condyle, bicondyle, anterolateral condyle, and anteromedial condyle were calculated and correlated with reference to the AEA, using the Pearson Correlation coefficient. Results. The femoral torsion had a strong correlation with distal condylar morphology. The FAA was significantly correlated with the ratio of the bianterior condyle (r = 0.355; p = 0.009), the AEA-PCL angle (r = 0.340; p = 0.001) and the ratio of the anterolateral condyle and lateral condyle (ALC-LC) (r = 0.309; p = 0.014). The PFA-AEA angle was also significantly correlated with the ratio of the bianterior condyle (r = 0.319; p = 0.008), the AEA-PCL angle (r = 0.231; p = 0.031), and the ratio of ALC-LC (r = 0.261; p = 0.034). In addition, the bianterior condyle ratio showed a significant correlation with the biposterior condyle ratio (r = -0.324; p = 0.027) and the AEA-PCL angle (r = 0.342; p = 0.021). Conclusion. Increased femoral torsion correlated with a prominent anterolateral condyle and a shorter posterolateral condyle compared with the medial condyle. The deformities of the anterior and posterior condyles are combined deformities rather than being isolated and individual deformities in patients with trochlear dysplasia and patella instability. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(7):868–873

Introduction. The objective of this study is to assess the use of ultrasound (US) as a radiation free imaging modality to reconstruct three-dimensional knee anatomy. Methods. An OEM US system is fitted with an electromagnetic (EM) tracker that is integrated into the US probe, allowing for 3D tracking of probe and femur and tibia. The raw US RF signals are acquired and using real time signal processing, bone boundaries are extracted. Bone boundaries are then combined with the EM sensor information in a 3D point cloud for both femur and tibia. Using a statistical shape model, the patient specific surface is reconstructed by optimizing bone geometry to match the point clouds. An accuracy analysis was then conducted for 11 cadavers by comparing the 3D US models to those created using CT scans. Results. The results revealed the US bone models were accurate compared to the CT models (Mean RMS: femur: 1.03±0.15 mm, tibia:1.11± 0.13). Also, femoral landmarking proved to be accurate (transepicondylar axis: 1.07±0.65°, Posterior condylar axis: 0.73±0.41° Distal condylar axis: 1.12±0.89°, Medial AP: 1.39±1.18 mm, Lateral AP: 1.56±1.15 mm, TEA width: 1.2±0.87 mm). Tibial landmarking errors were slightly higher (Posterior slope axis: 2 ±1.19° and Tubercle axis: 1.8±1.37°). The models were then used to evaluate implant sizing as, 90% of the femurs and 60% of the tibias were sized correctly, while the others were off only one size. Discussion. The 3D US bone models were proven to be accurate compared to CT and can be used for preoperative planning. 3D ultrasound is radiation free and offers numerous clinical opportunities for bone creation in minutes during their office visit, surgeon-patient pre-operative planning, implant sizing and selection, 3D dynamic ligament balancing and intra-operative registration for use with robots and navigation systems

Aims. The morphometry of the distal femur was largely studied to improve bone-implant fit in total knee arthroplasty (TKA), but little is known about the asymmetry of the posterior condyles. This study aimed to investigate the dimensions of the posterior condyles and the influence of externally rotating the femoral component on potential prosthetic overhang or under-coverage. Patients and Methods. We analysed the shape of 110 arthritic knees at the time of primary TKA using pre-operative CT scans. The height and width of each condyle were measured at the posterior femoral cut in neutral position, and in 3º and 5º of external rotation, using both central and medial referencing systems. We compared the morphological characteristics with those of 14 TKA models. Results. In the neutral position, the dimensions of the condyles were nearly equal. Externally rotating the femoral cut by 3º and 5º with ‘central referencing’ induced width asymmetry >  3 mm in 23 (21%) and 33 (30%) knees respectively, while with ‘medial referencing’ it induced width asymmetry > 3 mm in 43 (39%) and 75 (68%) knees respectively. The asymmetries induced by rotations were not associated with gender, aetiology or varus-valgus alignment. Conclusion. External rotation may amplify the asymmetry between the medial and lateral condyles, and exacerbate prosthetic overhang, particularly in the superolateral zone. ‘Central referencing’ guides result in less potential prosthetic overhang than ‘medial referencing’ guides. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:894–903

Aims. The objective of this study is to assess the use of ultrasound (US) as a radiation-free imaging modality to reconstruct 3D anatomy of the knee for use in preoperative templating in knee arthroplasty. Methods. Using an US system, which is fitted with an electromagnetic (EM) tracker that is integrated into the US probe, allows 3D tracking of the probe, femur, and tibia. The raw US radiofrequency (RF) signals are acquired and, using real-time signal processing, bone boundaries are extracted. Bone boundaries and the tracking information are fused in a 3D point cloud for the femur and tibia. Using a statistical shaping model, the patient-specific surface is reconstructed by optimizing bone geometry to match the point clouds. An accuracy analysis was conducted for 17 cadavers by comparing the 3D US models with those created using CT. US scans from 15 users were compared in order to examine the effect of operator variability on the output. Results. The results revealed that the US bone models were accurate compared with the CT models (root mean squared error (RM)S: femur, 1.07 mm (SD 0.15); tibia, 1.02 mm (SD 0.13). Additionally, femoral landmarking proved to be accurate (transepicondylar axis: 1.07° (SD 0.65°); posterior condylar axis: 0.73° (SD 0.41°); distal condylar axis: 0.96° (SD 0.89°); medial anteroposterior (AP): 1.22 mm (SD 0.69); lateral AP: 1.21 mm (SD 1.02)). Tibial landmarking errors were slightly higher (posterior slope axis: 1.92° (SD 1.31°); and tubercle axis: 1.91° (SD 1.24°)). For implant sizing, 90% of the femora and 60% of the tibiae were sized correctly, while the remainder were only one size different from the required implant size. No difference was observed between moderate and skilled users. Conclusion. The 3D US bone models were proven to be closely matched compared with CT and suitable for preoperative planning. The 3D US is radiation-free and offers numerous clinical opportunities for bone visualization rapidly during clinic visits, to enable preoperative planning with implant sizing. There is potential to extend its application to 3D dynamic ligament balancing, and intraoperative registration for use with robots and navigation systems. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(6 Supple A):81–86

Aims. We conducted a randomised controlled trial to assess the accuracy of positioning and alignment of the components in total knee arthroplasty (TKA), comparing those undertaken using standard intramedullary cutting jigs and those with patient-specific instruments (PSI). Patients and Methods. There were 64 TKAs in the standard group and 69 in the PSI group. The post-operative hip-knee-ankle (HKA) angle and positioning was investigated using CT scans. Deviation of > 3° from the planned position was regarded as an outlier. The operating time, Oxford Knee Scores (OKS) and Short Form-12 (SF-12) scores were recorded. Results. There were 14 HKA-angle outliers (22%) in the standard group and nine (13%) in the PSI group (p = 0.251). The mean HKA-angle was 0.5° varus in the standard group and 0.2° varus in the PSI group (p = 0.492). The accuracy of alignment in the coronal and axial planes and the proportion of outliers was not different in the two groups. The femoral component was more flexed (p = 0.035) and there were significantly more tibial slope outliers (29% versus 13%) in the PSI group (p = 0.032). Operating time and the median three-month OKS were similar (p = 0.218 and p = 0.472, respectively). Physical and mental SF-12 scores were not significantly different at three months (p = 0.418 and p = 0.267, respectively) or at one year post-operatively (p = 0.114 and p = 0.569). The median one-year Oxford knee score was two points higher in the PSI group (p = 0.049). Conclusion. Compared with standard intramedullary jigs, the use of PSI did not significantly reduce the number of outliers or the mean operating time, nor did it clinically improve the accuracy of alignment or the median Oxford Knee Scores. Our data do not support the routine use of PSI when undertaking TKA. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:1043–9

Aims. Analysis of the morphology of the distal femur, and by extension of the femoral components in total knee arthroplasty (TKA), has largely been related to the aspect ratio, which represents the width of the femur. Little is known about variations in trapezoidicity (i.e. whether the femur is more rectangular or more trapezoidal). This study aimed to quantify additional morphological characteristics of the distal femur and identify anatomical features associated with higher risks of over- or under-sizing of components in TKA. Methods. We analysed the shape of 114 arthritic knees at the time of primary TKA using the pre-operative CT scans. The aspect ratio and trapezoidicity ratio were quantified, and the post-operative prosthetic overhang was calculated. We compared the morphological characteristics with those of 12 TKA models. Results. There was significant variation in both the aspect ratio and trapezoidicity ratio between individuals. Femoral trapezoidicity was mostly due to an inward curve of the medial cortex. Overhang was correlated with the aspect ratio (with a greater chance of overhang in narrow femurs), trapezoidicity ratio (with a greater chance in trapezoidal femurs), and the tibio-femoral angle (with a greater chance in valgus knees). . Discussion. This study shows that rectangular/trapezoidal variability of the distal femur cannot be ignored. Most of the femoral components which were tested appeared to be excessively rectangular when compared with the bony contours of the distal femur. These findings suggest that the design of TKA should be more concerned with matching the trapezoidal/rectangular shape of the native femur. Take home message: The distal femur is considerably more trapezoidal than most femoral components, and therefore, care must be taken to avoid anterior prosthetic overhang in TKA. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:49–57

Objectives. An important measure for the diagnosis and monitoring of knee osteoarthritis is the minimum joint space width (mJSW). This requires accurate alignment of the x-ray beam with the tibial plateau, which may not be accomplished in practice. We investigate the feasibility of a new mJSW measurement method from stereo radiographs using 3D statistical shape models (SSM) and evaluate its sensitivity to changes in the mJSW and its robustness to variations in patient positioning and bone geometry. Materials and Methods. A validation study was performed using five cadaver specimens. The actual mJSW was varied and images were acquired with variation in the cadaver positioning. For comparison purposes, the mJSW was also assessed from plain radiographs. To study the influence of SSM model accuracy, the 3D mJSW measurement was repeated with models from the actual bones, obtained from CT scans. Results. The SSM-based measurement method was more robust (consistent output for a wide range of input data/consistent output under varying measurement circumstances) than the conventional 2D method, showing that the 3D reconstruction indeed reduces the influence of patient positioning. However, the SSM-based method showed comparable sensitivity to changes in the mJSW with respect to the conventional method. The CT-based measurement was more accurate than the SSM-based measurement (smallest detectable differences 0.55 mm versus 0. 82 mm, respectively). Conclusion. The proposed measurement method is not a substitute for the conventional 2D measurement due to limitations in the SSM model accuracy. However, further improvement of the model accuracy and optimisation technique can be obtained. Combined with the promising options for applications using quantitative information on bone morphology, SSM based 3D reconstructions of natural knees are attractive for further development. Cite this article: E. A. van IJsseldijk, E. R. Valstar, B. C. Stoel, R. G. H. H. Nelissen, N. Baka, R. van’t Klooster, B. L. Kaptein. Three dimensional measurement of minimum joint space width in the knee from stereo radiographs using statistical shape models. Bone Joint Res 2016;320–327. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.58.2000626