LETTER TO EDITOR A Simple Cable Method for Intraoperative Limb Alignment Assessment

Achieving good mechanical axis of the lower extremity is of paramount importance in orthopaedic surgery, not only during joint replacement but also in fracture fixation and deformity correction. However, it is difficult to determine the mechanical axis during surgery. Many techniques have been proposed in clinical practice such as visual inspection, cable method, alignment rods, the axis board 1 , panoramic radiograph images 2 and navigation systems. Among all, cable method is proven to be one of the practical and uncomplicated way yet valid enough to control the mechanical axis intra-operatively 3. The Limb Lengthening and Reconstruction Surgery (LLRS) unit of University Malaya Medical Centre devised a cable method to assess the mechanical axis alignment intraoperatively. Our apparatus includes a 1.5mm stainless steel cable, 2 aluminum hooks, 2 wooden bars, weight holder and weight (we used a 500 mls saline drip bottle in this setting) (Fig 1a). Aluminum plate is chosen as it is malleable and easily machined to desirable shapes. One end of the plate is bent so that it can be hooked onto the operating table side bars (Fig 1b). On the other end a hole with extension slot is created for attachment of the wooden bar (Fig 1a). Around the middle of the plate, we use a bolt and nut to serve as stopper to prevent tilting movement due to the pulling effect of the cable (Fig 1b). .