๐Ÿ›๏ธ Verified NIH Record โ€ข Updated 2026-03-20

Mechanical Alignment vs Kalipered Kinematic Alignment Total Knee Arthroplasty (NCT06617871)

A Prospective, Randomized, Single-blinded Clinical Trial Comparing Mechanical Alignment vs Kalipered Kinematic Alignment Total Knee Arthroplasty Using Medacta Spherika

๐ŸŸข Recruiting Observational / Diagnostic ๐Ÿฉบ Clinical Procedure Protocol Sponsor: Northwestern University

๐Ÿฉบ Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)

Knee replacement surgery can be performed in one of two ways. Traditionally the goal was for the new joint to be in a neutral position with respect to the femur (thigh bone). This is called Mechanical Alignment (MA). The neutral position is different than the human knee's natural position, so MA often requires the surgeon to make additional cuts to the ligaments and other soft tissue around the knee. More recently surgeons have started to place the new joint in a position that more closely replicates the natural alignment of the human knee. This is called Kinemetic Alignment (KA). KA can be done without additional soft tissue dissection but the procedure requires a higher level of precision that can be difficult to achieve in every case. Some studies have found no difference in outcomes between MA and KA, whereas others have found KA to be superior. But these were small studies or studies that did not consider patient-rated outcomes.

Who can join: Review the eligibility criteria below.

Location: Northwestern Medicine โ€” Chicago, Illinois

Age range: 21 Years to 79 Years

๐Ÿงช Interventions in This Study

  • Mechanical Alignment (MA) (PROCEDURE)
  • Kinematic Alignment (KA) Interventions: (PROCEDURE)

๐Ÿ“‹ "Do I Qualify?" โ€” 1-Minute Self Screener

Instant Checklist

Full eligibility criteria are available on the official NIH protocol. View the criteria โ†—

๐Ÿ“ All Participating Trial Locations (1 Sites)

  • Northwestern Medicine โ€” Chicago, Illinois

๐Ÿ“ž Contact the Study Coordinator

Phone: (312) 472-6024

Email: melissa.shauver@northwestern.edu

Coordinator details come directly from the registered NIH protocol. Confirm the study is still recruiting before traveling.

๐Ÿ’ฐ Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights

  • 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
  • Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA ยง 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
  • Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.

๐Ÿ’ก How to Participate

  1. Check the checklist above to see if you may qualify.
  2. Contact the study coordinator using the phone/email above.
  3. Ask about the visit schedule, what is covered at no cost, and any travel support.
  4. Confirm with your own doctor before making a decision.
๐Ÿ›๏ธ View Official NIH Record โ†—