Alignment Strategies and Gap-Balancing in Total Knee Arthroplasty — 16.07.2025 St.Gallen, Haus 39.325

• Key concepts of modern primary TKA
• Phenotypes according to the CPAK classification
• Alignment philosophies: Mechanical, kinematic, inverse kinematic and constitutional varus alignment
• Gap-balancing techniques: Tips and tricks
• Hybrid referencing: Team up measured resection & ligament referencing

Kursbeschreibung/

Course description This course provides an in-depth exploration of current knee alignment strategies and gap-balancing techniques in Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA), focusing on improving intraoperative decision-making through an educational simulation tool. Participants will be introduced to key concepts of modern TKA and current alignment philosophies in a flipped classroom format, which allows for both theoretical understanding and practical decision experience.

The course follows a three-phase structure:

1. Adaptive E-Learning: Before the in-person session, participants will engage with an interactive online learning module to independently study the theoretical foundations of the relevant primary TKA alignment strategies and the basic concepts and functions of the Knee-CAT learning tool for simulating decision-making in TKA procedures.

2. In-Person Workshop: During the in-person phase, participants will apply the theoretical knowledge they have acquired in practical, case-based learning activities including clinical case demonstrations using the Knee-CAT tool to simulate decision-making in real-world scenarios as well as group discussions and collaborative activities. Participants are encouraged to bring data from one clinical case to be analysed and discussed during the workshop.

3. Self-Training and Homework: In this final phase, participants will have the opportunity to practice and simulate more TKA scenarios using the Knee-CAT tool independently at home. This phase encourages repetition and mastery of the decision-making process in knee alignment and gap balancing. The instructor will evaluate the progress of the learners and give standardised feedback through the software tool.

By the end of this course, participants will have gained comprehensive insights into current TKA alignment strategies and gap-balancing, enhanced their intraoperative decision-making skills, and gained confidence in applying their knowledge in the operative setting of their daily clinical work.

Learning Goal

Participants will gain a deep understanding of current knee alignment strategies and gap-balancing techniques in Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA), with an emphasis on enhancing intraoperative decision-making through an educational simulation tool.

Requirements

Completion of an adaptive e-learning module