Comparison of functional and radiological outcomes after computer-assisted versus conventional total knee...

To compare the radiological and functional outcomes of patients who underwent either computer-assisted or conventional total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Two groups of 50 patients each underwent either computer-assisted or conventional TKA were retrospectively studied. Patients were matched according to body mass index (BMI), gender, and age. Three senior orthopaedic surgeons with comparable experience performed all surgeries, using 3 different prostheses. The surgical approach and peri- and postoperative regimens were the same. The mechanical axis and the tibial and femoral angles were measured using standardised long-leg weight-bearing radiographs. Overall function was assessed using the Short Form-12 (SF-12) and International Knee Society (IKS) scores.

No intra-operative technical difficulties were encountered in either group. The computer-assisted group resulted in more consistent and accurate alignments in both the coronal and sagittal planes and better SF-12 and IKS scores. In obese patients (BMI=30 kg/m2 or more), computer-assisted TKA provided better alignment than the conventional technique.

Computer-assisted TKA improves implant positioning, limb alignment, and overall functional outcome. It may be particularly advantageous for obese patients.