Calipered Kinematically Aligned Knee Arthroplasty: The Definitive Textbook

By Dr. Stephen M. Howell, a renowned orthopedic surgeon, calipered kinematic alignment was introduced to revolutionize total knee replacement (TKR) surgery. This innovative technique enables the accurate and individualized placement of total knee components, coinciding with the patient’s pre-arthritic alignment within 0.5 mm.

The goal of calipered kinematic alignment is to restore the patient’s native joint kinematics, addressing the well-documented 20% dissatisfaction with traditional, or mechanical alignment techniques. Dr. Howell has curated an international team of expert surgeons and engineers to discuss various aspects of this technique in his book.

A Comprehensive Guide to Calipered Kinematic Alignment

In this book, you’ll find clear, practical guidance for adopting and implementing calipered kinematic alignment, covering manual, patient-specific, navigated, and robotic techniques. The chapters on component design tailored explicitly for kinematic alignment and knee biomechanics provide valuable insights for managing complex challenges associated with deformity and post-operative complications.

Following the introduction of calipered kinematic alignment, numerous international studies have consistently shown better patient satisfaction, function, and long-term implant survival compared to traditional mechanical alignment techniques. This paradigm shift in total knee replacement philosophy is being embraced by orthopedic surgeons and innovative implant companies worldwide.

What Sets This Book Apart

• Thorough explanations of how calipered kinematic alignment accurately sets total knee components coincident with the patient’s pre-arthritic alignment and coaligned with the three rotational axes of the native knee.
• A personalized approach to total knee surgery designed to reconstitute the patient’s native biomechanics, contrasting with mechanical alignment that places all patients in the same standard alignment regardless of their constitutional anatomy.
• Detailed and well-illustrated descriptions of manual, navigated, robotic, and patient-specific guide techniques that confirm kinematic alignment with a caliper.
• Clinical photos, radiographs, and line art throughout the book, as well as helpful online technique videos.
• Key focus topics such as managing complex deformities, expected post-operative recovery, and future trends in kinematic alignment.
• The shared experience and knowledge of international pioneers in the field.
• An emphasis on a personalized surgical philosophy that enables same-day discharge, reduces pain and opioid use, and promotes quicker recovery, better function, and a more natural feeling knee.

This definitive textbook on calipered kinematically aligned knee arthroplasty is an essential resource for orthopedic surgeons, engineers, and researchers seeking to improve patient outcomes and advance the field of total knee replacement surgery.