Computer-Assisted Surgery is Associated with Reduced Inflammatory Response in Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized
Pruk Chaiyakit1, Theerasak Tempaiboolkul1, Sittisak Honsawek2
1Department of Orthopaedics, Faculty of Medicine, Vajira Hospital, Navamindradhiraj University, Bangkok, Thailand.
The Archives of Bone and Joint Surgery
|April 20, 2026
Summary
Computer-assisted surgery total knee arthroplasty (CAS-TKA) shows a reduced inflammatory response compared to conventional TKA (CON-TKA). This suggests CAS-TKA may offer benefits in managing surgical trauma and inflammation post-knee replacement.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Biomarkers
- Inflammation Research
Background:
- Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a common procedure for advanced knee osteoarthritis (OA).
- Conventional TKA (CON-TKA) involves intramedullary reaming, potentially increasing surgical trauma and inflammation.
- Computer-assisted surgery TKA (CAS-TKA) aims to minimize these adverse effects by avoiding canal entry.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare postoperative inflammatory markers between CON-TKA and CAS-TKA.
- To evaluate the impact of surgical technique on systemic inflammation following knee replacement.
Main Methods:
- Forty patients with knee OA were randomized to CON-TKA or CAS-TKA.
- Serum inflammatory markers (interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate) were measured pre- and post-surgery.
- Synovial markers and functional outcomes (KOOS) were also assessed.
Main Results:
- Both TKA methods elevated inflammatory markers post-surgery.
- CAS-TKA demonstrated a significantly lower change in serum interleukin-6 and erythrocyte sedimentation rate at 2 weeks compared to CON-TKA.
- No significant differences were observed in synovial markers or functional outcomes at 2 weeks.
Conclusions:
- CAS-TKA is associated with a reduced inflammatory response compared to CON-TKA.
- The inflammatory benefits of CAS-TKA warrant further investigation regarding long-term functional outcomes.
