Introduction: Optimal coronal and sagittal component
positioning is important in achieving a successful outcome
following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Modalities to
determine post-operative alignment include plain
radiography and computer tomography (CT) imaging. This
study aims to determine the accuracy and reliability of plain
radiographs in measuring coronal and sagittal alignment
following TKA.
Materials and Methods: A prospective, consecutive study
of 58 patients undergoing TKA was performed comparing
alignment data from plain radiographs and CT imaging. Hipknee-angle
(HKA), sagittal femoral angle (SFA) and sagittal
tibial angle (STA) measurements were taken by two
observers from plain radiographs and compared with CT
alignment. Intra- and inter-observer correlation was
calculated for each measurement.
Results: Intra-observer correlation was excellent for HKA
(r>0.89) with a mean difference of <1.9°. The least intraobserver
correlation was for SFA (mean r=0.58) with a mean
difference of 8°. Inter-observer correlation was better for
HKA (r>0.95) and STA (r>0.8) compared to SFA (r=0.5).
When comparing modalities (radiographs vs CT), HKA
estimations for both observers showed the least maximum
and mean differences while SFA observations were the least
accurate.
Conclusion: Radiographic estimation of HKA showed
excellent intra- and inter-observer correlation and
corresponds well with CT imaging. However, radiographic
estimation of sagittal plane alignment was less reliably
measured and correlated less with CT imaging. Plain radiography was found to be inferior to CT for estimation of
biplanar prosthetic alignment following TKA.