The accuracy and reliability of pre-operative templating in revision total knee arthroplasty. A comparison of analogue and digital methods

Abstract Aims To determine whether the size of the prostheses used in revision knee arthroplasty may be accurately and reproducibly predicted using analogue or digital pre-operative templating techniques. Methods Pre-operative radiographs were templated using analogue radiographs and acetate templates, digital radiographs and acetate templates and digital radiographs and digital templating software. Results Overall accuracy of predicting the size of implant used at surgery was 44%. There was no significant difference in the accuracy of the various templating techniques ( p = 0.098). Conclusions Templating in revision knee arthroplasty is neither of suitable accuracy nor reliability enough to safely recommend its use for implant size prediction.