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Femur Landmarking & Alignment (TKR)

This article explains how to review, validate, and adjust femur landmarks. It describes the landmarks, alignment angles, user interactions, and how landmark accuracy affects planning and patient-specific instrument (PSI) generation.

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Femur landmarking defines the anatomical reference framework used for alignment, measurements, and PSI design.
Landmarks are generated automatically and must be reviewed and confirmed before planning can proceed.

This step ensures that all downstream planning logic is aligned with the patient’s anatomy.


When This Step Is Available

Femur landmarking is performed:

  • After segmentation approval

  • Before or during the planning stage

The case cannot progress until landmarking is confirmed.


Interface Elements

During femur landmarking, the interface includes:

  • A 3D femur model in the main canvas

  • Landmark points placed on key anatomical features

  • Reference axes derived from landmark positions

  • Alignment angles displayed numerically and visually

  • Interactive rotate and zoom controls

All displayed angles update automatically when landmarks are adjusted.


Femur Landmarks

Common femur landmarks include:

  • Femoral head center

  • Femoral shaft (anatomical axis)

  • Medial and lateral condyles

  • Distal femoral reference points

These landmarks define femoral orientation in 3D space.


Alignment Angles

The following angles are calculated from the femur landmarks:

  • Mechanical Axis (Coronal Plane)
    Indicates varus or valgus alignment using the femoral head and distal reference points.

  • Anatomical vs Mechanical Axis
    Represents the angular relationship between the shaft axis and mechanical axis.

  • Distal Femoral Varus / Valgus
    Describes distal femur orientation relative to the mechanical axis.

  • Femoral Flexion / Extension (Sagittal Plane)
    Defines anterior–posterior tilt of the femur.

  • Femoral Rotation (Axial Plane)
    Defines internal or external rotation based on condylar landmarks.

These angles are reference values used for planning logic and PSI positioning.


Reviewing and Adjusting Landmarks

To review landmarks:

  1. Rotate and zoom the femur to inspect placement.

  2. Confirm each landmark aligns with the correct anatomical feature.

  3. Check that axes and angles appear anatomically reasonable.

To adjust a landmark:

  • Select the landmark and reposition it directly on the anatomy.

  • All dependent axes and angles update automatically.

  • Angles are not edited directly only landmarks are adjusted.


Confirming Landmarking

Once review is complete:

  • Confirm the landmarking step to lock references.

  • The system records the confirmation with user and timestamp.

  • Planning and PSI generation proceed using the finalized landmarks.


Why Accuracy Matters

Accurate landmarking ensures:

  • Correct alignment of planning tools

  • Reliable measurements

  • Proper PSI positioning and fit

  • Consistency between digital planning and physical guides

Incorrect landmarks may affect downstream planning outcomes.


Troubleshooting Tips

If angles appear incorrect:

  • Recheck femoral head and condylar landmarks

  • Inspect placement from multiple orientations

  • Adjust landmarks rather than interpreting angles in isolation

For unresolved issues, contact CustoMED support.

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