Thesis

Further development of a non-invasive infra-red (IR) system in clinical assessment of knee laxity in healthy volunteers

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Awarding institution
  • University of Strathclyde
Date of award
  • 2015
Thesis identifier
  • T14212
Person Identifier (Local)
  • 201460488
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Department, School or Faculty
Abstract
  • Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a common surgical intervention for the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA), which although successful- reports significant patient dissatisfaction levels. One of the main contributing factors to this is malalignment of the tibial and femoral components. The incorporation of computer-assisted orthopaedic surgery (CAOS) into this procedure has produced better alignment, and better functional scores post-intervention. Recently, a non-invasive navigation system, combining the intraoperative tracking system has been developed for a clinical setting. The aim of this project was to develop an experimental methodology which would standardise the possible variations that can arise during clinician based assessment. A validation of newly developed passive trackers was undertaken, but could not be validated to within a target repeatability of 3°. Due to time constraints, these trackers were used throughout the study. Angle of flexion was standardised through the creation of a flexion supporting structure, and force applied to participants was standardised. Implementing these tools into an altered laxity assessment, two measurements of varus and valgus laxity, and AP translation were taken at 5°, 15°, 30° & 45° intervals. Valgus measurements were repeatable (CR 3°) between 5° and 15° of flexion, varus measurements were repeatable at 5°. The AP test for laxity was less successful, with only the assessment at 15° falling with the predefined limit of 3mm. When this experimental protocol was compared to the clinical assessment of an experienced surgeon, results of valgus laxity were found to be repeatable (within 3°) at 5°, 15° and 30°, and varus laxity measurements within these limits at 5°. These promising results show that this experimental method is capable allowing a novice to measuring laxity at a similarly repeatable level to that of an experienced surgeon at these degrees of flexion. Many of the limitations of this study can be attributed to the flaws within the experimental methodology. Further investigation with a larger participant group is required for full validation of this technique.
Resource Type
DOI
Date Created
  • 2015
Former identifier
  • 1247666

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