smith&nephew RT-PLUS Surgical Technique page 21

Controlling the stem position
An extramedullary reamer alignment guide,
which is attached to the reamer, can be used
to check the position of the stem in axial
alignment and depth (the end of the reamer
alignment guide corresponds to the tip of the
reamer).
Preparing the femoral stem connection
If it is reamed only to diameters Ø 10, Ø 12 or
Ø 14, the stem connection recess has to be
reamed with the Ø 10/16 mm stepped reamer
until the laser marking (corresponding to the
resection level).
IM positioning and control with trial stems
The chosen trial stem is attached to the
extension for trial stem (Ø 8 mm) and with
the modular handle carefully inserted into the
femoral IM canal so the line marked with
PRIMARY respectively REV. is approximately
level to the distal bone resection. The modu-
lar handle is now removed. It is important to
avoid putting excessive pressure in the femo-
ral IM canal.
Note
With too short IM guidance, the alignment
may be incorrect (varus/valgus, extension/
flexion).
19