The accuracy and reliability of digital templating in total knee replacement.

Abstract

Templates are used in the preoperative planning of many orthopaedic procedures. The magnification of the bones on preoperative radiographs can vary, despite using standardised radiological techniques. Purpose The purpose of the study is to determine the reliability of preoperative templating in total knee replacement. Methodology Initially, a sample of 17 patients who had undergone total knee replacement, were collected. Anteroposterior and lateral radiographs were taken and digitally templated. The measurements of the implant judged by templating were then compared with the measurements of the implant used during surgery. Results The overall results showed that there was no significant difference between the templated measurements and those of the implant used during surgery. Therefore it was confirmed that templating is significant in total knee replacement. Conclusion As there was no significant difference templating was proved to be significant when allowing a discrepancy of one size above and below. Therefore surgeons are able to store an implant with the size of the templated measurement and implants which are a size above and below.