To evaluate the ability of computer-assisted surgery (CAS) to accurately size and determine rotational alignment of the femoral
component in TKA, the author reviewed femoral component position after 50 consecutive primary TKAs using a femur-first, measured
resection workflow. The computer software used allowed femoral rotation to be selected based on epicondylar axis, posterior
condylar axis, or anteroposterior axis. The final femoral component size and position was determined by the surgeon to avoid
anterior notching, match the posterior-medial condyle resection, and flexed to match the plane of the anterior femoral cortex.
Femoral sizing was confirmed intraoperatively with a standard sizing guide. The femoral component was downsized in 52% of
patients from the size recommended by the computer software. The posterior condylar axis matched the implanted rotational
position of the femoral component to within 1° in 64% of patients in contrast to the epicondylar axis (32%) and anteroposterior
axis (26%). CAS provides information to make surgical decisions but does not replace clinical judgment. Landmark referencing
may be compromised by limited surgical exposures leading to variation in implant positioning by computer software. A clear
understanding of the principles of TKA is critical when using CAS to optimize implant sizing and position.
The author certifies that he has no commercial associations (eg, consultancies, stock ownership, equity interest, patent/licensing
arrangements, etc) that might pose a conflict of interest in connection with the submitted article.
The author certifies that his institution has approved the human protocol for this investigation, that all investigations
were conducted in conformity with ethical principles of research, and that informed consent for participation in the study
was obtained.