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Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy

Published in:

01-08-2016 | Knee

Changes in the orientation of knee functional flexion axis during passive flexion and extension movements in navigated total knee arthroplasty

Authors: Francesca Colle, Danilo Bruni, Francesco Iacono, Andrea Visani, Stefano Zaffagnini, Maurilio Marcacci, Nicola Lopomo

Published in: Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy | Issue 8/2016

Abstract

Purpose

Recently, the functional flexion axis has been considered to provide a proper rotational alignment of the femoral component in total knee arthroplasty. Several factors could influence the identification of the functional flexion axis. The purpose of this study was to analyse the estimation of the functional flexion axis by separately focusing on passive flexion and extension movements and specifically assessing its orientation compared to the transepicondylar axis, in both the axial plane and the frontal plane.

Methods

Anatomical and kinematic acquisitions were performed using a commercial navigation system on 79 patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty with cruciate substituting prosthesis design. The functional flexion axis was estimated from passive movements, between 0° and 120° of flexion and back. Intra-observer agreement and reliability, internal–external rotation and the angle with the surgical transepicondylar axis, in axial and frontal planes, were separately analysed for flexion and extension, in pre- and post-implant conditions.

Results

The analysis of reliability and agreement showed good results. The identification of the functional flexion axis showed statistically significant differences both in relation to flexion and extension and to pre- and post-implant conditions, both in frontal plane and in axial plane. The analysis of internal–external rotation confirmed these differences in kinematics (p < 0.05, between 25° and 35° of flexion).

Conclusions

The identification of the functional flexion axis changed in relation to passive flexion and extension movements, above all in frontal plane, while it resulted more stable and reliable in axial plane. These findings supported the possible clinical application of the functional flexion axis in the surgical practice by implementing navigated procedures. However, further analyses are required to better understand the factors affecting the identification of the functional flexion axis.

Level of evidence

IV.

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Title: Changes in the orientation of knee functional flexion axis during passive flexion and extension movements in navigated total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Francesca Colle
Danilo Bruni
Francesco Iacono
Andrea Visani
Stefano Zaffagnini
Maurilio Marcacci
Nicola Lopomo
Publication date: 01-08-2016
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy / Issue 8/2016
Print ISSN: 0942-2056
Electronic ISSN: 1433-7347
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-015-3816-0

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Changes in the orientation of knee functional flexion axis during passive flexion and extension movements in navigated total knee arthroplasty

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Level of evidence

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Level of evidence

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