Neutral position registration is used to determine the preoperative ______ and contracture deformity, if in existence.

Neutral position registration is used to determine the preoperative ______ and contracture deformity, if in existence.

• A. Flexion contracture
• B. Varus/valgus deformity
• C. Ligament laxity
• D. Tibial slope

Answer: (B)

Neutral position registration focuses on how the leg aligns when it is straight and unloaded, so you can see any angular deformity in the coronal plane without the influence of bending or soft-tissue tightness. This makes varus or valgus deformity clear in a preoperative assessment, and it also notes if a contracture deformity exists that limits full extension. Other aspects aren’t as directly revealed by this neutral alignment: flexion contracture is best assessed by how much the joint can straighten or by measuring extension deficit, ligament laxity requires stress testing, and tibial slope is evaluated on specific sagittal-plane radiographs.

Neutral position registration focuses on how the leg aligns when it is straight and unloaded, so you can see any angular deformity in the coronal plane without the influence of bending or soft-tissue tightness. This makes varus or valgus deformity clear in a preoperative assessment, and it also notes if a contracture deformity exists that limits full extension. Other aspects aren’t as directly revealed by this neutral alignment: flexion contracture is best assessed by how much the joint can straighten or by measuring extension deficit, ligament laxity requires stress testing, and tibial slope is evaluated on specific sagittal-plane radiographs.