Knee morphology as a guide to knee replacement.

The complexity of knee geometry requires correct prosthesis design and size selection for the recipient. This study analyzes the morphological relationships within the knee; 16 linear anatomical parameters were measured on 30 cadaveric knees. The marginal femoral condylar contour was geometrically described by two tangent radii. Standardized radiographic techniques were developed to obtain a modified tunnel and true lateral view of the knee. Subsequently, X-rays were taken from 11 cadaver knees to achieve reproducible magnification factors. From X-rays of 53 normal subjects, 11 comparable linear dimensions were measured. The linear dimensions and condylar contour measurements were analyzed for their interrelationships by computer techniques. The width of the femur was found to be dimensionally related (correlation coefficient significant at the one per cent level) to the measured parameters with the exception of the intercondylar notch and interspinous widths. Using regression analysis, nomograms were developed to predict the linear and marginal femoral contour dimensions from the femur width. The resulting standard deviations were low, ranging from 1.0 mm for ascertaining the tibial width to 3.5 mm for determination of the femoral width at the level of the intercondylar notch. The nomograms we developed will aid the surgeon in a more precise, preoperative, morphological evaluation and may be used as a guide for future knee prosthesis design.