Validation of a Device for Clinical Measurement of Frontal Tibiofemoral Alignment

C. van Giersbergen, J. Bellemans, P. Moens, A. J. F. Hosman

Orthopaedic Research, University Hospital Louvain, Clinic Pellenberg, Belgium..
Orthopedics, University Medical Center Sint Radboud, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.

DOI: 10.4236/ojo.2012.23020                

Abstract

Study Design: A prospective instrumental study design. Objectives: In this study, the validity of a device was investigated. Background: Frontal tibiofemoral malalignment is a predisposing factor for developing gonarthrosis. In a previous study a repositioning device was developed to clinically measure frontal tibiofemoral alignment. This device appeared to be more accurate than the conventional method. Case description: This study has examined three types of measurement: conventional method, repositioning device and a bilateral full-leg standing radiograph (Rx). We compared the results of the repositioning device and the conventional method to Rx. To determine the validity of the new repositioning device, n = 41 patients under 18 years of age were included in this study. They all underwent a standing Rx in their history. Outcome: In our study we found a negative correlation between the repositioning device and the already known Rx. Conclusion: The repositioning device was validated, but is not accurate enough to replace Rx. However, physiotherapists can use this device to obtain a more accurate clinical measurement of frontal tibiofemoral alignment.

Keywords

Radiographics; Knee Alignment; Radiation

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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