Computer-assisted dynamic total knee arthroplasty using Whiteside's line for alignment.

Abstract

Computer-assisted navigation enables surgeons to measure and assess knee behavior during surgery, allowing real-time monitoring of the knee ranging from extension to flexion. Documenting passive motion before and after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) enabled the authors to analyze knee kinematics. Passive knee motion cannot predict full weight bearing knee behavior, the "crucial moment of truth" for TKA. This study supports individually adapting the femoral component rotation using the Whiteside line. Clinical follow-up alone will assess the possible benefits. In a study of 71 patients who underwent computer-assisted TKA, the authors assessed the actual rotational femoral alignment and dynamic long leg track hip-knee-ankle angle from 0 degrees, 30 degrees, 60 degrees, and 90 degrees of knee flexion before and after TKA.