A straightforward method of assessing the accuracy of implantation of knee prostheses

Accurate component placement in knee replacement surgery is important. The precision with which the implants are placed directly affects patient outcome as implant position and alignment influence stability, durability and patellar tracking. The ability to measure the accuracy of implantation of knee replacement components is valuable in assessing not only ones own technique but also in evaluating new instruments or implants and in teaching. The standard AP and lateral radiographs employed by most surgeons give inadequate information to assess alignment of each component accurately. We present a straightforward way of assessing femoral and tibial component alignment by using a series of three radiographs. This technique is reproducible and can be performed using standard equipment in any radiology department. This technique was applied to 160 total knee replacements performed using newly developed instrumentation. It was shown to be simple and the measurements were reproducible, with very little inter observer bias. We believe this technique has a role in audit, teaching, training and assessing new techniques and instruments. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.