| 摘要 |
Apparatus and method for determining the kinematics of a large joint (e.g., a knee) undergoing arthroplasty, for comparing the kinematics of the joint undergoing surgery with the kinematics of the normal joint, and for providing the surgeon with information allowing the balancing of the ligaments of the joint upon the installation of a prosthesis replacement joint. The apparatus includes optical targets mounted on joint replacement components fitted to the resected bones of the joint. One or more video cameras are used to obtain a series of images of the various optical targets as the extremity is flexed, extended, and rotated. A computer is responsive to the images of the targets to determine the kinematics of the joint as it is flexed, extended and rotated. The computer compares the kinematics of the observed joint with the kinematics of a normal joint and determines, based on anomalies of the observed joint relative to the normal joint, whether other implant components or spacers are required, and determines which ligaments must be relaxed or contracted so that the ligaments are balanced. The computer displays suggestions to the surgeon for changing components and for relaxing or contracting specific ligaments such that the ligaments of the joint is balanced with the prosthesis joint in place. A method of computer ligament balancing is also disclosed.
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