Description
This presentation by Glen Richardson discusses the concept of kinematic alignment in total knee replacement surgery. It starts with an introduction to kinematic alignment, contrasting it with mechanically aligned knees, emphasizing that kinematic alignment is not merely about achieving a neutral mechanical axis. The speaker shares his journey and experiences with kinematic alignment dating back to 2011, addressing concerns regarding alignment seen in post-operative X-rays. He highlights the historical focus on avoiding varus alignment to minimize revision rates and the evolving understanding of patient-specific anatomy.
Richardson discusses findings from studies showing that some patients with slight deviations from mechanical alignment can still experience good outcomes, challenging the strict adherence to achieving neutral alignment for everyone. He references research that characterized a population's anatomy, identifying the prevalence of constitutional varus and questioning traditional surgical approaches that may not account for individual anatomical variations.
The speaker further explains the reasons behind different kinematic behaviors of knees during flexion and extension, emphasizing the importance of aligning the knee's prosthetic components with the unique anatomical features of each patient. He presents insights into the relationships between various anatomical axes, revealing how understanding these relationships can improve surgical outcomes and increase the longevity of knee implants.
Ultimately, Richardson advocates for a personalized approach to knee replacement that considers kinematic alignment based on each patient's unique anatomy rather than simply conforming to generic mechanical axes, suggesting that such an approach could lead to better patient satisfaction and function.