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Published on: September 7, 2022
No difference between computer-assisted and conventional total knee arthroplasty: five-year results of a prospective
Jörg Lützner1, Julian Dexel, Stephan Kirschner
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Medical Faculty of the Technical University of Dresden, Fetscherstr. 74, 01307, Dresden, Germany, Joerg.Luetzner@uniklinikum-dresden.de.
Purpose:
The use of computer-assisted surgery (CAS) in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) results in better limb and implant alignment compared to conventional TKA; however, it is unclear whether this translates to better mid- to long-term clinical outcome. This prospective randomised study comparing CAS and conventional TKA reports the functional and patient perceived outcomes at a follow-up of 5 years. The hypothesis was that there would be a difference in functional outcome or quality of life after mid-term follow-up.
Methods:
Sixty-seven patients were available for physical and radiological examination at 5 years. The Knee Society Score (KSS) was used to describe functional outcome and the Euroquol questionnaire for quality of life.
Results:
The mean total KSS for the CAS group improved from 91.1 (SD 22.3) points preoperatively to 157.4 (SD 21.9) and 150.2 (SD 30.4) points at 2 and 5 years, respectively. In the conventional group, the mean total KSS was 99.6 (SD 18.6) points preoperatively and 151.1 (SD 26.0) and 149.0 (SD 28.0) points at 2 and 5 years, respectively. The mean quality of life score improved from 48.2 (SD 16.5) points preoperatively to 67.4 (SD 16.3) and 66.8 (SD 22.2) points at 2 and 5 years in the CAS group, and from 52.2 (SD 17.1) points preoperatively to 65.6 (SD 14.6) and 61.7 (SD 19.3) points at 2 and 5 years, respectively, in the conventional TKA group. These differences were not statistically significant. There were radiolucent lines up to 2 mm in 11 knees (four CAS, seven conventional), but there were no changes in implant position.
Conclusions:
There were no significant differences in functional or patient perceived outcome after mid-term follow-up in this study.
Level Of Evidence:
I.
