Clinical Outcomes after Computed Tomography-Based Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Minimum 3-Year Analyses

Computed tomography (CT) scan-based three-dimensional (3D) modeling operative technology has been shown to improve upon results of manual total knee arthroplasties (TKAs). Although there are many reports on superior precision of this CT-based technology, there has been continuing interest regarding extended clinical outcomes. The purpose of this study was to compare their clinical outcomes with manual TKAs at approximately 3-year follow-up. Specifically, we analyzed: (1) survivorship, (2) functional outcomes, (3) complications, and (4) radiographic outcomes (i.e., alignment, progressive radiolucencies). A total of 210 patients receiving CT-based TKAs performed by a single surgeon at a single center between July 1, 2016, and February 16, 2018, were compared with 210 manual TKAs completed by the same surgeon immediately preceding implementation of the CT-based technology. Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) surveys were collected at ∼3 years postoperatively. Subgroup analyses of pain and physical function scores were performed. Follow-up radiographs were evaluated for alignment, loosening, and/or progressive radiolucencies. There was 100% survivorship at final follow-up. The postoperative mean pain scores for the CT-based cohort and manual cohort were 1 ± 2 (range, 0-14) and 2 ± 3 (range, 0-17), respectively (p < 0.05). The postoperative mean physical function scores for the CT-based cohort and manual cohort were 3 ± 4 (range, 0-18) and 5 ± 5 (range, 0-19), respectively (p < 0.05). The postoperative mean total WOMAC scores for the CT-based cohort and manual cohort were 5 ± 4 (range, 0-32) and 7 ± 8 (range, 0-35), respectively (p < 0.05). There were low numbers of postoperative complications at final follow-up in either cohort. None exhibited progressive radiolucencies by final follow-up. The 3-year postoperative clinical outcomes support excellent survivorship and radiographic outcomes, low complication rates, as well as improved pain, physical function, and total WOMAC scores for CT-based TKAs. Therefore, patients who undergo CT-based 3D modeling TKAs should expect to have superior long-term clinical outcomes.