How to measure 

 

Planning osteotomy

    Prerequisites for the planning process are  good quality whole weight-bearing x-ray of the entire lower extremity and knee lateral x-ray in case tibial slope is planned to correct. A circular (i.e. metallic sphere or coin) of known dimension object (calibration marker) have to be placed adjacent patients body before and included in patients x-ray.

​

Calibration procedure.

     Once you load the app you have to open from photo library or capture the corresponding image from camera Calibration unit box in mm have to be filled according to known dimension of calibration marker included in X-ray  image. If the - i.e. a 10 mm circular object appear, a 10 value is added to unit box.
   Aiming the transparent circular yellow template over the circular x-rayed objects contour and fitting the best-fit circle to the contour of the circumferences of the calibration marker, user should click the “point” button,  by this the center of the calibration marker is marked and sequentially a dynamic circle appears over the screen. The radius of the circle is dynamically changed whenever users finger is moved over screen. Once best fit of the radius of dynamic cycle over the contour of the calibration object is reached  user should press the “point” button and circle with the respective radius point is drawn over image. By finishing the calibration procedure the app can measure dimensions in mm. It is strongly recommended to calibrate the app and insert the respected value in unit box in order to have accurate measurements otherwise software backtracks and it is not allowed to proceed to next stepson error message is appearing. In a calibration marker does not exist in image please use the medullary canal of the femur and have an approximate arbitrary value of 15 mm measured at the widest part of the canal.

 

Point Registration

        Next with the  transparent circular template user aims to locate the center of the femoral head. By fitting  the best-fit circle to the contour of femoral head circumference and clicking the “point” button the center of the femoral head is marked (P1). By the same manner the medial side of the tip of the femoral great trochanter is marked (P2), likewise by aiming the intramedullary femur canal  the center of intramedullary femoral canal (P3). 
   In case the right limp is measured the user should select the following anatomical points sequentially in certain clock-wise fashion starting from the most distal and lateral point of lateral femora condyle (P4) to most medial and distal point of medial femur condyle (P5) (please see tutorial gifs) to the most medial and proximal tibia point (P6) to most lateral and proximal tibia point (P7). By the same manner for distal right tibia user the select most lateral distal point of tibia at ankle joint or most lateral proximal over talus in ankle joint (P8) and most medial distal point (P9) of tibia at ankle joint or most medial and proximal over talus in ankle joint. (right limp clock-wise). 
   I case left limp is measured the above pattern should be followed likewise but the points should be selected in counter-clockwise fashion. (please see tutorial gifs)

    Measuring the mechanical axis deviation (MAD) -orange line - in millimetres that  is the perpendicular distance from the center of the knee joint to the mechanical leg axis to the knee joint center. This line physiologically runs on average 4 (±2) mm medial to the center of the knee joint. If the mechanical axis runs lateral by > 10 mm  or > 15 mm medial to this point, this indicates either a valgus or a varus deformity of the respectively 

Selection of mechanical axis at Fujisawa Point.

    The mechanical axis of the leg, should pass normally at Fujisawa point (F) which is usually located at 12 %  lateral of the center of tibia plateau. A blue line is drawn from femoral head centre (P1) to the Fujisawa point (F) at center of the tibia plateau which by default is set at 0% between the medial and lateral border of tibial plateau. By pressing + or - button  the blue line with center the femoral head is rotated clock wise or counter clockwise intersecting the tibial plateau at Fujisawa point (F) while the respective percentage appears over the button. By this way the planned  mechanical axis can be changed in real-time  and pass according to user preference at the corresponding percentage at tibia plateau. By evaluating the residual cartilage thickness left on the involved tibia plateau compartment the percentage could be selected. User can select values between 0 % to 35%  according to residual cartilage evaluation, by pressing + or  -  button respectively. In case one third of the cartilage thickness is left on the medial compartment, the mechanical axis should pass at  20–25 % on lateral compartment on the Fujisawa scale, or in case no cartilage is left then at 30–35 % and in case two thirds of cartilage remains at 10-15% respectively.- in case the no selection is done the percentage remains to default value at 0%.
 

Kind of osteotomy 

    The preoperative planning method can be applied to both closed- and open-wedge osteotomies. (HTO -high-tibial osteotomy, DFO -distal femur osteotomy) Helps to normalize knee joint angles and the orientation of the mid-joint line. 
   Traditionally  the corresponding opening height of the osteotomy which the depends on the determined opening angle and the length of the osteotomy cut (mediolateral diameter of the osteotomy)  can be derived from Hernigou’s trigonometric chart. App calculate  the corresponding opening height of osteotomy helping the surgeon to avoid this cumbersome manual procedure.

 First , Selection of hinge point of tibia or femur osteotomy-calculation of correction angle in frontal plane . 

    User can select the location of hinge point of correction osteotomy for planning of varus or valgus corrections of the distal femur (above mid joint line, distal femur osteotomy DFO) or proximal tibia (below mid joint line)
high-tibial osteotomy HTO), lateral or medial, closed or open - wedged.
   By aiming with circular centred pointer below mid joint line at the preferred side of tibia (high-tibial osteotomy HTO) and by pressing the point button user can define the hinge-point of osteotomy (H) at tibia.The angle formed by red lines connecting the hinge-point (H) with the current center of ankle and the intersection of the projected Fujisawa line (blue line) to projected horizontal line of the center of ankle is the angle of correction (a).
   By aiming with circular centred pointer above mid joint line (distal femur osteotomy DFO). The angle formed by red lines connecting the hinge-point (H) with the center of femoral head (P1) and the intersection of the line passing from selected Fujisawa point line and current center of ankle to projected horizontal line of the center of femoral head (P1) and the trochanter major (P2) ankle is the angle of correction (a).
   The angle (a) is transferred to the level of the planned osteotomy and in case of ligament laxity JLCA >2 degrees (JLCA =  joint line convergence angle, normal value 0-2°) the correction angle (A) is adjusted as follow- A = correction angle adjusted and presented on screen as JLa =a- (JLCA-2/2).
   While user aims to realigning the mechanical axis to its anatomically normal position by changing the angle of correction in a real time simultaneously a simulation of the osteotomy is depicted by the wedge intended osteotomy and meanwhile  all parameters in real time are being updated .

 Second Starting point of osteotomy (D). 

    By aiming at the preferred side across the H point over the other side of the bone with the circular centred pointer and by pressing the point button, the surgeon selects the entry point starting the opening or closing wedge osteotomy. 
   From point H to point D, the mediolateral diameter the opening or closing of the osteotomy is printed (HD) in mm and marked by a red line, which represents one plane of the triangular wedge of the osteotomy. 
The + or - button appear at the left bottom corner of the screen. Over the button the degrees of correction also appear - default value is 0 ° - for every click by pressing + or - button, one degree of correction is added or subtracted respectively and the second plane of osteotomy emerges and printed in screen as second red line (HD`) from H point to point D`. All previous measured values and location of drawn lines are being updated in real time accordingly till the orange line mechanical axis attach the corrected mechanical axis passing at Fujisawa Point.
   The H point represents  the hinge point of osteotomy and the tip of the  wedge triangle. The planes of the osteotomy HD and  HD` form the angle which is the actual correction angle of the wedge. The base of the triangle (DD`) the lateral cortex corresponds to the height of the wedge. By pressing the + or - button, with center the hinge point either clockwise or counter- clockwise, the corresponding height (DD`) of opening or closing osteotomy is increase  or reduced respectively. Both proximal tibial head osteotomies (HTO = high-tibial osteotomy) and supracondylar femoral osteotomies (DFO = distal femur osteotomy) can be performed in additive technique (open-wedge) or subtractive technique (closed-wedge) and can be planned.
   This powerful features allow surgeon in an instant to comprehend in real time by updating  simultaneously all relevant parameters by changing the correction angle and thus helping to differentiate between a femoral and or tibial cause of  deformity and avoiding osteotomies that could  worse joint obliquity. By pressing the undo button user can easily return to previous stage and modify the selection of points or change the above mentioned parameter respectively.
   The real time dynamically change of mechanical axis lines, modify also  the  drawings of femur and the tibia and  in instant depicting a precise preview of the whole preoperative plan for optimal results.
   The categorisation of the deformities based to international literature normal references values, help to indicate to user  the type of osteotomy.The real time kinematic evaluation  done after correction of the deformity assist in real time the optimal angle selection for uneventful correction of deformity taking into account all factors that potentially affect the end result.

Biplanar osteotomy, and Sagittal plane correction -Tibial slope (β angle ).

​

    By taking lateral x ray of tibia and measuring the tibia slope the surgeon can correct the deformity not only at coronal plane (valgus/ varus, a angle but also in sagittal plane (biplanar osteotomy- combined correction) by increasing in open wedge osteotomy or reducing in closing wedge osteotomy the tibia slope angle. In the tibial slope box (β box) angle user enter the degree of correction namely the absolute difference between current measured profile X-ray and the planed - in case the field in box is left empty - default value is 0°, no correction at sagittal plane - in other words the osteotomy will correct only at coronal plane (varus-valgus -a ) the deformity thus ω angle is 0° and δ angle is also 0°. 
   In case, the tibia slope should be reduced user has to plan only open wedge osteotomy and simply to add the preferred absolute value of correction in tibia slope box β ,(i.e. measured tibial slope 4°- normal value 10°- the absolute amount of correction is the difference namely 6° and this value should be inserted in tibia slope box). In case  the tibia slope should be increased a closed wedge osteotomy should be planed with the hinge chosen  across to the other side of tibia and the direction of osteotomy (ω) should be the same amount bunt counterclockwise this time.
Delta (Δ) angle for open or closed osteotomy, the corresponding omega (ω) angle,  the height of opening or closing osteotomy δDD’ are being calculated in real time. Negative values in tibia slope box does not affect the end

    To avoid overcorrection especially during exaggerated joint laxity correction angle a is adjusted by taking into account ligament laxity measured by joint line convergence angle (JLCA)  the JLa joint ligament adjusted angle is measured by the following mathematical formula (JLa =  a - JLCA-2/2  - if  JLCA>2) this could be helpful in surgeon who wants to correct the deformity by taking in to account the ligament joint laxity .
The selection of the amount of correction should based over the experience to avoid over or under correction .

  

 The App helps to categorize objectively deviation or deformity in the frontal plane (varus or valgus) and differentiate the level of deformity (femoral and or tibial origin) and according to measured angles objectively suggest where indicated, medial or lateral, open or closed-wedge distal femur osteotomy or high-tibial osteotomy or double osteotomies. Restoring the mechanical axis by osteotomies around knee is easily calculated and presented on screen. In addition by measuring  Hip Knee Ankle line (HKA) and Mid joint line (MJL) orientation, App allows to evaluate in real time the success of intended osteotomy by evaluating the kinematic alignment of the knee (KAO), avoiding residual joint obliquity or malalignment.
In case femoral angle (mLDFA) and tibial angle (mMPTA) and Hip Knee Ankle line (HKA) and Mid joint line (MJL) are in abnormal range  double osteotomy is suggested and which kind of double osteotomy is  indicated also 
In case femoral angle (mLDFA) or tibial angle (mMPTA) abnormal ,Single osteotomy is suggested.
   Outcome of planned degree of correction is also presented and a  green coloured message of  successful osteotomy  is presented on screen in case  femoral angle (mLDFA)  and  tibial angle (mMPTA)  and MJL  normal  HKA  normal  otherwise with a red message appears not successful osteotomy 

In quick review:
The following points at certain anatomical landmarks should be sequential selected and registered by pressing “point”  button. 

Calibration procedure
C1 → center of a known dimension object.
R2 → dynamic cycle radius of the known dimension calibration object ( coin metallic sphere - e.g. for 10 mm, enter in unit box the value 10 )

 The following point should be registered at femur and tibia after calibration 

For right limp in clock wise fashion during point selection at knee joint and around  the ankle. For left limp the points are counterclockwise selected.
C1 → femoral head center
T2 → tip of trochanter majo,medial ridge. 
P3 → center of intramedullary femoral canal preferably at mid-shaft
P4 → most distal, lateral femur condyle.
P5 → most distal, medial femur condyle. 
P6 → most  proximal, medial tibia condyle.
P7 → most proximal lateral tibia condyle. 
P8 →most distal lateral tibia 
P9 →most distal medial tibia 
F   → the location of Fujisawa Point (F) is adjusted. Blue line is moving and passing at the intersection to Fujisawa Point (F) over tibia plateau by pressing + or -  button in the  respected percentage lateral or medial is chosen - default value is 0 %, passing from the middle of tibial plateau. According to
residual cartilage left at the affected side  -> blue line -planned mechanical axis- should pass at F point at following percentage indicated at table below
Two third- -> 10–15 %
One third ->20–25 %  
None       -> 30–35 %
Selection remains surgeon preference.

H →  hinge point of the osteotomy wedge.
D → across the H point to the other side of the bone-the opening of the wedge.
Final degree of correction - default value is 0 ° - for every click by pressing + or - button, one degree of correction is added or subtracted respectively and the second plane of osteotomy emerges and printed in screen as second red line (HD`) from H point to point D.
a → final opening or closing correction angle, value is changed according to final planned osteotomy in real time. By observing the  continuously calculated messages below or above in real time surgeon can choose the final degree of correction a till the  simulated osteotomy is successful.
[a] → initial calculated opening or closing correction angle.

 In case left limp is measured the above pattern should be followed likewise but the points should be selected in counter-clockwise fashion.
Before selecting a point a the tutorial gif is played to assist the user  accurately. 
By pressing ? Button  - help menu - and by pressing the help on off button, user can optionally select  to switch off or on the tutorial gif  presentation help - default value on .

Buttons
Point  - point registration-enter .
Undo - return to previous point selection.
Save - screen contents is saved as an image to the photo album of the device.
Unit box, a know  - i.e. a 10 mm circular object included also in X-rays user should type the number 10 in unit box. In case box is left blank measure in mm is not possible and an error message is presented.
β angle -tibial slope box -the preferred absolute value of correction in tibia slope in sagittal plane.

Screen readings:
Arrows pointing up above normal arrow pointing down below normal 
mLPFA = mechanical lateral proximal femoral angle, normal value 90° ± 5°, yellow 
mLDFA= mechanical lateral distal femoral angle, normal value 87° ± 3°, orange 
aLDFA = Anatomical lateral distal femoral angle, normal value 81° ± 2°,green
aMFA = anatomical mechanical femoral axes angle, normal value 6° ±1°.
JLCA =  joint line convergence angle, normal value 0-2°. Light  blue
d= distance in mm between  femoral joint center and tibia joint centre normal values <=6mm, subluxation due to ligament laxity
mMPTA = mechanical medial proximal tibial angle, normal value 87° ± 3°, brown.
mLDTA= mechanical lateral distal tibial angle 89 ° ±  3°, blue
aFTA = anatomical femorotibial angle, standard value 173-175°.
MAD = mechanical axis deviation in mm.

Type of deformity 
normal no message , 
femoral (mLDFA  ≥ 87° ± 3°) varus otherwise valgus, deviation or deformity,
Tibia (mMPTA ≥ 87° ± 3°) valgus otherwise varus , deviation or deformity, 
differentiate between a femoral and a tibial cause of malalignment

Genu varum, Anatomical femorotibial angle(aFTA) > 173–175° and 
Mikulicz line runs medial to the 4 mm point, significant in MAD > 15mm medial to the center of the knee joint 

Genu valgum, Anatomical femorotibial angle (aFTA) < 173–175° 
Mikulicz line runs lateral to the 4 mm point, significant in MAD > 10 mm lateral to the center of the knee joint 

FL=femoral length in cm
TL=tibia length in cm
LL’=Mechanical Axis length in cm
HKA =Hip Knee Ankle line,  normal range 180 ° ±  3° otherwise knee <177°  varus valgus >184
MJL = Mid joint line orientation  (normal 87° - 94°, varus<86 ° valgus >94 ° 
KAO=Kinematical Aligned Osteotomy, normal if HKA and MJL are normal, otherwise abnormal. 
a =final opening or closing correction angle in coronal plane.
[a] → initial calculated opening or closing correction angle in coronal plane 
JLa = correction angle adjusted by taking into account ligament laxity measured by joint line convergence angle (JLCA)
JLa =  a - JLCA-2/2  - if  JLCA>2
HD= initial plane of triangular, mediolateral diameter the opening or closing of the osteotomy in mm
DD`=base of the triangle, or osteotomy gap opening or closing in mm adjusted by trigonometric chart of Hernigou, needed to obtain the desired angular correction at coronal plane -at  a angle . 
Δ angle = correction angle at ω plane 
ΔDD´=base of the triangle, or osteotomy gap opening or closing in mm adjusted by trigonometric chart of Hernigou for Δ angle .
ω angle =direction of  osteotomy plane. In case ω angle is 0° the osteotomy is directed perpendicular to sagittal plane and only in the coronal plane the deformity is corrected. By default ω angle is 0°
.
Outcome: Successful osteotomy if  femoral angle (mLDFA)  and  tibial angle (mMPTA)  and MJL  normal  HKA  normal  otherwise with red not successful osteotomy 

Suggested osteotomy 
Osteotomy suggestion: Single osteotomy, distal femur osteotomy (DFO)  or high-tibial osteotomy (HTO)  - Medial or Lateral open or closed wedge accordingly  or double osteotomy both distal femur osteotomy (DFO) and high-tibial osteotomy (HTO) Medial or Lateral open or closed wedge

orange line = current mechanical axis of the leg.
blue line- Fujisawa line = Corrected mechanical axis passing at Fujisawa point.

 All information received from the software output must be clinically reviewed regarding its plausibility before patient treatment!  App indicated for assisting healthcare professionals. Clinical judgment and experience are required to properly use the software.These instructions alone do not replace in depth training in planning for osteotomies. It only serves as a general guideline.
Any influence the operators in making decisions during operation remains Surgeons own responsibility and experience. A surgeon must always rely on his or her own professional clinical judgement when deciding whether to use a particular technique when treating a particular patient. App does not dispense medical advice. The software is not for primary image interpretation. It is recommended that surgeons must be trained in the use before using it in real surgery.