According to an article written by Tilman Calliess and Henning Windhagen, “Kinematic Alignment in Total Knee Arthroplasty with Stryker Shapematch Technology”, published by Springer Link, the Stryker ShapeMatch technology differs fundamentally from other templating concepts with respect to the alignment philosophy of the implant and the soft tissue management.
Stryker ShapeMatch Design
The Stryker ShapeMatch Cutting Guide was intended to allow surgeons to fit the knee implant more closely with the patient’s particular anatomy. The technology would utilize MRI scans of the patient’s knee before surgery to create a three-dimensional knee model. This then allows the surgeon to use customized guides for the patient’s knee to position the implant and help restore movement to the knee. Previously utilized templating concepts were based on classical alignment with two-dimensional alignment of the components.
ShapeMatch Failure and Recall
Unfortunately, a glitch in Stryker’s proprietary software for the ShapeMatch ultimately led to a recall of the Stryker ShapeMatch Cutting Guides. A defect in the ShapeMatch software was responsible for incorrect cutting guide parameters. Many surgeons who discovered that the parameters were incorrect were forced to make modifications in order to complete the knee replacement surgery. Due to the defect, many patients are experiencing adverse side effects and continue complications with the surgically repaired knee.
