Single-center experience with Knee+™ augmented reality navigation system in primary total knee arthroplasty

Area of Science:

• Orthopaedic Surgery
• Surgical Navigation
• Medical Technology

Background:

• Computer-assisted surgery enhances precision in orthopaedics.
• Augmented reality (AR) is increasingly integrated into surgical navigation systems.
• The accuracy of AR navigation in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the accuracy of AR navigation in achieving component alignment and restoring mechanical axis in primary TKA.
• To determine the effectiveness of AR navigation systems for experienced knee surgeons.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 30 primary unilateral TKA patients.
• Utilized the Knee+™ AR navigation system across three different prostheses.
• Compared pre-operative, intra-operative (post-cut), and post-operative radiographic measurements for alignment parameters.

Main Results:

• Statistically significant differences were found for femoral flexion and tibial varus measurements compared to expected values.
• These differences were less than 1 degree, indicating high precision.
• No outliers were observed in postoperative coronal alignment across all implants.

Conclusions:

• AR navigation systems demonstrate satisfactory accuracy for achieving precise axial alignment in TKA.
• These systems can potentially enhance surgeon accuracy in orthopaedic procedures.
• Further research is recommended to fully assess the efficacy and potential of AR navigation in TKA.