title: Can tibial coverage in total knee replacement be reliably evaluated with three-dimensional image-based digital templating?
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  There remains a lack of data on the reliability of methods to estimate tibial coverage achieved during total knee replacement. In order to address this gap, the intra- and interobserver reliability of a three-dimensional (3D) digital templating method was assessed with one symmetric and one asymmetric prosthesis design.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 120 template procedures were performed according to specific rotational and over-hang criteria by three observers at time zero and again two weeks later. Total and sub-region coverage were calculated and the reliability of the templating and measurement method was evaluated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Excellent intra- and interobserver reliability was observed for total coverage, when minimal component overhang (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.87) or no component overhang (ICC = 0.92) was permitted, regardless of rotational restrictions.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Measurement of tibial coverage can be reliable using the templating method described even if the rotational axis selected still has a minor influence.
authors.affiliation: Sydney Orthopaedic Research Institute, Chatswood, New South Wales, Australia.
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Costa
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lustig
authors.forename: C J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Scholes
authors.forename: J-C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Balestro
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Fatima
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Parker
keywords: Arthroplasty; Baseplate; Digital templating; Knee; Reliability; Tibial coverage