Computer assisted total knee arthroplasty: 2.5 years follow-up of 200 cases

Computer assisted surgery in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) should improve accuracy of both femoral and tibial components placement. This study evaluated the functional outcomes of computer navigated total knee arthroplasty through the Knee Society Score (KSS) and Tegner Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale (TLKSS).

Between September 2007 and February 2013, 180 patients (200 knees; 109 females and 71 males; mean age: 64 years) undergoing computer-assisted TKA were recruited. Plain radiographs and CT scans were performed post-operatively to evaluate alignment. The clinical outcomes were measured using the KSS and TLKSS pre-operatively and after 6, 12 and 36 months.

The mean follow-up duration was 2.5 years. The mean tourniquet time was 72 ± 13.4 min, and patients received an average of 0.6 ± 0.82 units of blood after surgery. The average preoperative KSS functional score of 44.6 ± 13.7 improved to 80.4 ± 16.4 after 2 years. The average preoperative TLKSS improved to 71.4 ± 13.5 after 2 years. The mechanical axis was within ±3° in all patients. No axial malalignments were observed on TC Scan. Three patients (1.6% of cases) required revision.

Computer assisted TKA allows reproducible alignment and kinematics, reducing outliers, provides ligament balancing and ensures good short term outcomes in terms of KSS functional score and TLKSS.