The radiological outcomes of total knee arthroplasty using computer assisted navigation ORTHOPILOT

Comprehensive radiographic analysis of total knee arthroplasty performed traditionally and with the use of Computer Assisted Navigation (CAN) is presented. The aim of this study was to compare the precision of implant alignment considering two operating techniques. The analyzed material consisted of 100 radiograms of patients operated on traditional way and 100 knee joint radiograms of patients operated on with a use of CAN. Assessment of postoperative radiograms was carried out in order to analyze coronal mechanical axis and sagittal orientation of both femoral and tibial components. Measurements were taken precisely up to 1 degrees and therefore results were classified as good (0-2 degrees deviation due to mechanical axis), satisfactory (2-4 degrees) and poor (over 4 degrees). The radiological outcome allows to present the following conclusions: CAN allows to minimize the risk of incorrect prosthesis alignment and therefore significantly improves the radiological outcome of total knee arthroplasty. This improvement can lead to better long time "survival" of implant components. The only price one pays for this improvement is 15-20 minute surgery delay, however it needs further studies to determine other possible disadvantages.