Use of the Cusum technique for evaluation of a CT-based navigation system for total knee replacement

Most of the early failures of total knee replacements are related to technical flaws. Conventional ancillary devices achieve good alignment in the frontal plane in only an average of 75% of total knee replacements. Computer-assisted surgery may improve the technical quality of implantation surgery. The aim of our study was to evaluate the use of computer-assisted surgery using a quality control process. Seventy-eight total knee arthroplasties were done with a CT-based computer-assisted surgery system. The outcomes studied were alignment of the lower limb, implant positioning, and operative time. The target for alignment was 180 degrees +/- 3 degrees. Cusum analysis showed that the three outcomes were controlled during the study. The cusum test identified any existing outliers. Because few data were available at the beginning of this study regarding computer-assisted surgery for total knee replacement, a randomized study was not relevant. However, a control of the procedure was mandatory. The cusum technique allowed continuous evaluation of the performance of the new procedure, and is a useful tool in assessing new technology. The results of this study showed that it is possible to do a randomized study to determine if computer-assisted surgery can improve the technical result of total knee replacement.