Volume 466, Number 11, 2751-2755, DOI: 10.1007/s11999-008-0452-8

Rotational Position of Femoral and Tibial Components in TKA Using the Femoral Transepicondylar Axis

Paolo Aglietti, Lorenzo Sensi, Pierluigi Cuomo and Antonio Ciardullo

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Abstract

Proper femoral and tibial component rotational positioning in TKA is critical for outcomes. Several rotational landmarks are frequently used with different advantages and limitations. We wondered whether coronal axes in the tibia and femur based on the transepicondylar axis in the femur would correlate with anteroposterior deformity. We obtained computed tomography scans of 100 patients with arthritis before they underwent TKA. We measured the posterior condylar angle on the femoral side and the angle between Akagi’s line and perpendicular to the projection of the femoral transepicondylar axis on the tibial side. On the femoral side, we found a linear relationship between the posterior condylar angle and coronal deformity with valgus knees having a larger angle than varus knees, ie, gradual external rotation increased with increased coronal deformity from varus to valgus. On the tibial side, the angle between Akagi’s line and the perpendicular line to the femoral transepicondylar axis was on average approximately 0°, but we observed substantial interindividual variability without any relationship to gender or deformity. A preoperative computed tomography scan was a useful, simple, and relatively inexpensive tool to identify relevant anatomy and to adjust rotational positioning. We do not, however, recommend routine use because on the femoral side, we found a relationship between rotational landmarks and coronal deformity.
Each author certifies that he or she 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.
Each author certifies that his or her institution has approved the human protocol for this investigation and that all investigations were conducted in conformity with ethical principles of research.

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