Abstract
Recently, patient-specific approaches to total knee arthroplasty (TKA) have been introduced,
in which preoperative imaging (plain radiographs, computed tomography, and magnetic
resonance imaging) are used to manufacture cutting blocks specific to a patient's
anatomy. Proposed benefits of patient-matched cutting blocks include a decrease in
operative time, instrument trays required, and the ability to preoperatively plan
a patient's component size, position, and alignment. In addition, an improvement in
postoperative mechanical alignment is expected, without violation of the intramedullary
canal. However, questions remain regarding patient outcomes and the cost-effectiveness
associated with patient-specific cutting block technology. This article will review
the evolution of surgical techniques in TKA, the development of patient-specific cutting
blocks, surgical considerations, and the literature associated with this new technology.
Keywords
total knee arthroplasty - patient-specific instrumentation - alignment - cost-effectiveness
