- Podcast
- 10/02/2025
- UK
Functional Alignment Minimizes Changes To Joint Line Obliquity In Robotic-Assisted Total Knee Arthroplasty: A CT Analysis Of Functional Versus Kinematic Alignment In 2,116 Knees Using The Coronal Plane Alignment Of The Knee (CPAK) Classification
Description
In this episode of AI Talks with Bone & Joint, hosts Simon and Amy delve into a groundbreaking research paper titled "Functional alignment minimizes changes to joint line obliquity in robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty: a CT analysis of functional versus kinematic alignment in 2,116 knees" published in December 2024. They explore the critical topic of total knee arthroplasty (TKA), which is essential for alleviating pain in patients with severe knee arthritis. The discussion centers on the comparison between functional alignment (FA) and kinematic alignment (KA) in TKA, particularly how these methods impact joint line obliquity (JLO) and overall surgical outcomes.
The researchers conducted a retrospective analysis of 2,116 robotic-assisted FA TKAs, hypothesizing that FA would maintain the arithmetic hip-knee-ankle angle and JLO more effectively than KA. Their findings reveal that 71.6% of knees changed the aHKA by two degrees or less, while 87.0% showed a JLO change of three degrees or less, indicating FA's effectiveness in preserving anatomical integrity and achieving balanced TKA results. The study utilized the Coronal Plane Alignment of the Knee (CPAK) classification to assess the types of knee alignments present in the studied subjects, with a notable focus on how different knee types maintained alignment post-surgery.
The episode highlights that FA not only minimizes changes to JLO—critical for ensuring patient satisfaction—but also potentially avoids significant complications related to mechanical alignment. The hosts emphasize the importance of robotic assistance in achieving these outcomes with a detailed explanation of the methodologies used in the study, including the measurement of various angles before and after implantation to evaluate alignment changes.
As they conclude, Simon and Amy discuss the implications of FA as a flexible strategy in TKA that balances the benefits of both kinematic and mechanical alignments, heralding a new era in personalized knee surgeries that prioritize optimal function and preservation of native anatomy. The episode wraps up with encouragement to read the full paper in Bone & Joint Open for further insights into the advancements in knee arthroplasty.
Part of: Surgical Techniques and Training Collection
"Functional Alignment Minimizes Changes To Joint Line Obliquity In Robotic-Assisted Total Knee Arthroplasty: A CT Analysis Of Functional Versus Kinematic Alignment In 2,116 Knees Using The Coronal Plane Alignment Of The Knee (CPAK) Classification" is included in the following Surgical Techniques and Training playlist: