[Computer-assisted navigation for total knee arthroplasty: a comparative study with conventional methods]

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Medical Technology

Background:

• Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) aims to restore function and reduce pain.
• Accurate component alignment and soft-tissue balance are critical for successful TKA outcomes.
• Conventional surgical techniques can be subject to variability in achieving optimal alignment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of Computer-assisted navigation (CAS) versus conventional location techniques in total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Main Methods:

• A comparative study involving 8 patients (11 knees) using CAS and 9 patients (11 knees) using conventional techniques for TKA.
• Follow-up duration ranged from 5 to 12 months.
• Key outcome measures included mechanical axis error, soft-tissue balance, and operative time.

Main Results:

• CAS group demonstrated significantly reduced mechanical axis error (2.14° vs 5.12°, P=0.005).
• CAS resulted in significantly better soft-tissue balance (1.04° vs 4.12°, P=0.005) and less soft-tissue separation (3.4 mm vs 6.1 mm, P=0.005).
• The CAS group experienced a longer operative time (82 min vs 59 min, P=0.005).

Conclusions:

• Computer-assisted navigation (CAS) enhances the reliability of artificial joint implantation in TKA.
• CAS significantly improves soft-tissue balance during TKA procedures.
• While CAS offers improved accuracy, it necessitates an increased operative duration.