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Computer-assisted total knee arthroplasty versus the conventional technique: how precise is navigation in clinical routine?

  • Knee
  • Published:
Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy Aims and scope

Abstract

Restoration of the mechanical leg axis and component positioning are crucial factors affecting long-term results in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). In a prospective study, 1,000 patients were operated on either using a CT-free navigation system or the conventional jig-based technique. Leg alignment and component orientation were determined on postoperative X-rays. The mechanical leg axis was significantly better in the computer-assisted group (95%, within ±3° varus/valgus) compared to the conventional group (74%, within ±3° varus/valgus) (P < 0.001). On average, the operating time was increased by 8 min in the computer-assisted group. No significant differences were seen between senior and younger surgeons regarding postoperative leg alignment and operating time. Computer-assisted TKA leads to a more accurate restoration of leg alignment and component orientation compared to the conventional jig-based technique. Potential benefits in long-term outcome and functional improvement require further investigation.

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Acknowledgments

We wish to acknowledge the work of Stefan Zeidler and Jochen Wolfsteiner in analysing the radiographs. The study complies with the current laws of the country in which they were performed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Regensburg, Asklepios Klinikum, Kaiser Karl V Allee 3, 93077, Bad Abbach, Germany

    Markus Tingart, Christian Lüring, Johannes Beckmann, Joachim Grifka & Lars Perlick

  2. Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, University Witten-Herdecke, Cologne Merheim Medical Center, Ostmerheimer Strasse 200, 51109, Cologne, Germany

    Holger Bäthis

Authors
  1. Markus Tingart
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  2. Christian Lüring
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  3. Holger Bäthis
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  4. Johannes Beckmann
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  5. Joachim Grifka
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  6. Lars Perlick
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Correspondence to Markus Tingart.

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Markus Tingart, Christian Lüring and Holger Bäthis contributed equally to this paper.

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Tingart, M., Lüring, C., Bäthis, H. et al. Computer-assisted total knee arthroplasty versus the conventional technique: how precise is navigation in clinical routine?. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthr 16, 44–50 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-007-0399-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-007-0399-4

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