Novel curved surface preparation technique for knee resurfacing

Conventional tools are incapable of preparing the curved articular surface geometry required during cartilage repair procedures. A novel curved surface preparation technique was proposed and tested to provide an accurate low-cost solution. Three shapes of samples, with flat, 30 mm radius and 60 mm radius surfaces, were manufactured from foam bone substitute for testing. Registering guides and cutting guides were designed and 3-D printed to fit onto the foam samples. A rotational cutting tool with an adapter was used to prepare the surfaces following the guidance slots in the cutting guides. The accuracies of the positions and shapes of the prepared cavities were measured using a digital calliper, and the surface depth accuracy was measured using a 3-D scanner. The mean shape and position errors were both approximately ± 0.5 mm and the mean surface depth error ranged from 0 to 0.3 mm, range - 0.3 to + 0.45 mm 95% CI. This study showed that the technique was able to prepare a curved surface accurately; with some modification it can be used to prepare the knee surface for cartilage repair.