Accuracy of joint line restoration based on three-dimensional registration of the contralateral tibial tuberosity and the fibular tip

Abstract Purpose To assess a novel method of three-dimensional (3D) joint line (JL) restoration based on the contralateral tibia and fibula. Methods 3D triangular surface models were generated from computed tomographic data 96 paired lower legs (48 cadavers) without signs pathology. Three segments fibula, excluding plateau, defined (tibia, tibial tuberosity (TT) fibular tip). A registration algorithm was used to superimpose mirrored model onto original model. JL approximation absolute mean errors for each segment measured its relationship gender, height, weight fibula length side-to-side differences analyzed. Fibular tip distance Results Mean did not yield significant among three segments. error highest 1.4 ± mm (range: 0 6.0 mm) decreased 0.8 1.0 3.7 TT 0.7 0.6 2.4 ( p = 0.03). independent differences. 11.9 3.4 22.1 with difference 1.6 1.1 5.3 mm). Conclusion reliably approximated JL. The of, tip, as robust anatomical landmarks, improved accuracy Level evidence IV