ASSESSING ROTATIONAL ALIGNMENT IN TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY

The authors of this study demonstrate a new method for assessing relat ive rotational alignment of femoral and tibial components in total kne e arthroplasty. This postoperative method requires only a lateral radi ograph of the knee in full extension, This technique was demonstrated with repeated measurements by 2 independent observers to be accurate a nd reproducible in documenting the rotation of knee implants, This tec hnique has clinical application in determining the accuracy of contemp orary alignment techniques, assessing the reliability of anatomic land marks referenced in implant alignment, and documenting the impact of m alrotation on the function and longevity of components in total knee a rthroplasty.