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Reliability of leg alignment using the OrthoPilot system depends on knee position: a cadaveric study
Oliver Hauschild1, L Konstantinidis, P C Strohm
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology, Freiburg University Medical Center, Hugstetter Str. 55, Freiburg 79106, Germany. oliver.hauschild@uniklinik-freiburg.de
Summary
The OrthoPilot navigation system shows excellent reproducibility for knee extension range and coronal alignment in total knee arthroplasty. However, assessments in knee flexion were less reliable, especially for less experienced observers.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Medical Device Technology
- Biomechanical Engineering
Background:
- Navigation systems are increasingly used in total knee arthroplasty (TKA).
- Limited research exists on the reproducibility of these navigation systems.
- Understanding system reliability is crucial for clinical adoption and patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the reproducibility of the OrthoPilot navigation system for limb alignment assessment in TKA.
- To determine the influence of knee position (extension vs. flexion) and observer experience on measurement agreement.
Main Methods:
- Limb alignment and knee extension range were measured using the OrthoPilot system on cadaveric specimens.
- Intra- and inter-observer agreement were assessed by five independent observers performing repeated measurements.
- Measurements were compared against conventional leg alignment methods to establish ground truth.
Main Results:
- Excellent intra- and inter-observer agreement (ICC > 0.9) was found for knee extension range and coronal femuro-tibial axis in knee extension.
- Agreement significantly decreased in knee flexion (ICC < 0.65).
- Less experienced observers showed a higher tendency for intraobserver errors.
Conclusions:
- The OrthoPilot system demonstrates high reproducibility for assessing knee extension and coronal alignment in TKA when the knee is extended.
- Measurements in knee flexion are less reliable and require cautious interpretation.
- Observer experience impacts the accuracy of navigation-assisted alignment assessments.
