Computer-navigated versus conventional total knee arthroplasty: A randomized controlled trial protocol in China.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Biomedical Engineering
• Clinical Trials

Background:

• Limited evidence exists on whether improved radiographic alignment in computer-navigated total knee arthroplasty (TKA) enhances daily living activities or prosthesis durability.
• A need for comparative studies between computer-assisted surgery and conventional techniques in TKA is evident.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare implant alignment, functional scores, and implant survival between computer-assisted surgery and conventional techniques in primary total knee arthroplasty.
• To investigate the efficacy of computer navigation in improving patient outcomes and prosthesis longevity.

Main Methods:

• Prospective, blinded randomized controlled trial at a single hospital.
• 1:1 randomization to computer-assisted surgery or conventional TKA group.
• Primary outcome: Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score; secondary outcomes: Knee Society Score, WOMAC, complications, range of motion, and implant positioning.

Main Results:

• Study protocol designed to compare outcomes.
• Hypothesized benefits of computer-assisted surgery in TKA.

Conclusions:

• Computer-assisted surgery is hypothesized to improve implant alignment, functional scores, and survival in primary TKA compared to conventional methods.
• Further results from the trial are pending to confirm these hypotheses.