Novel patient-specific navigational template for total knee arthroplasty

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Conventional total knee arthroplasty techniques face challenges with intramedullary canal violation and accuracy.
• Existing methods often lack precision in achieving optimal limb and rotational alignment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a computer-assisted preoperative planning concept for patient-specific navigational templates.
• To create a novel template to replace traditional instruments in total knee arthroplasty.
• To enhance the accuracy of osteotomy during knee replacement surgery.

Main Methods:

• Volumetric CT scans of 30 cadaveric knees were used to generate 3D models.
• A reverse-engineering technique determined optimal lower-limb and rotational alignment.
• Patient-specific navigational templates were designed, manufactured via rapid prototyping, and tested.

Main Results:

• The navigational template demonstrated high accuracy and reproducibility in cadaveric trials.
• Manual placement of the template on the femur and tibia was found to be straightforward.
• 28 out of 30 prostheses were positioned accurately; 2 had minor malpositioning (1-2°).

Conclusions:

• A novel navigational template for total knee arthroplasty has been developed.
• Preliminary cadaveric trials indicate improved osteotomy accuracy with this computer-assisted approach.
• This patient-specific template offers a promising alternative to conventional surgical instruments.