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42
Fig. 40
Fig. 41
Step Nine
Perform Trial Reduction
Remove the IM Patellar Retractor. With
all bone surfaces prepared, perform
a trial reduction with the appropriate
size Femoral Provisional, Tibial Fixation
Plate Provisional, and Tibial Articular
Surface Provisional. The Concave
Tibial Spacer can be used in place
of the combined Tibial Fixation Plate
Provisional and Tibial Articular
Surface Provisional.
Insert the prongs on the Insertion
Handle into the corresponding holes
on the Femoral Provisional (Fig. 39).
Thread the handle into the
provisional and tighten it securely.
To help guide the femoral provisional
past the patella, place the leg in deep
flexion to begin the insertion. Insert
the long post first. Then adjust the
leg to a midflexion position, rotating
the provisional around and in back
of the patella. Reposition the leg in
deep flexion to complete the insertion.
Impact the provisional onto the femur
with a mallet (Fig. 40).
Fig. 39
Evaluate soft tissue tension in flexion
and extension. Use the 2mm end of
the Tension Gauge to help ensure
that flexion and extension gaps are
not too tight (Figs. 42).
The correct thickness of the prosthesis
is one that produces the desired
alignment and does not cause
excessive stress on the collateral
ligaments. As a rule, the correct
prosthesis should allow the joint
space to be opened approximately
2mm when a stress is applied,
with the knee in full extension and
without soft tissue release.
The knee must also be tested in
90° of flexion to allow a 2mm flexion
gap. Excessive flexion tightness
will prevent postoperative flexion
and may cause the tibial prosthesis
to lift up anteriorly as the femoral
component rolls posteriorly on the
tibial component. If the joint is too
tight in flexion, try using a thinner
tibial articular surface component or
increasing the posterior slope of the
tibial resection.
Technique Tip: Use the 2mm end
of the Tension Gauge to help balance
the knee in both flexion and extension.
With the knee flexed 90°, position
the 2mm end of the Tension Gauge
between the Femoral Provisional and
the Concave Tibial Spacer. This should
be a snug, but not an overly tight fit.
Then use the same test with the knee
in full extension.
Fig. 42
Slide the rails on the bottom of the
Tibial Articular Surface Provisional
into the grooves on the Tibial Fixation
Plate Provisional (Fig. 41). Check the
fit of the provisional components. If
necessary, perform minor trimming
of bone surfaces.
With all trial components in place,
check for proper range of motion and
ligament stability. The Tibial Articular
Surface Provisional or Concave Tibial
Spacer used should permit full flexion
and full extension. Overstuffing should
be avoided, as this will transfer stress
to the contralateral compartment.