title: [Navigated implantation of total knee endoprostheses--a comparative study with conventional instrumentation].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  A navigation system should improve the quality of a total knee prosthesis implantation in comparison to the classical, surgeon-controlled operative technique.
  
  
  METHODS
  The authors have implanted 40 knee total prostheses with an optical infrared navigation system (Orthopilot AESCULAP, Tuttlingen--group A). The quality of implantation was studied on postoperative long leg AP and lateral X-rays, and compared to a control group of 40 computer-paired total knee prostheses o the same model (Search Prosthesis, AESCULAP, Tuttlingen) implanted with a classical, surgeon-controlled technique (group B).
  
  
  RESULTS
  An optimal mechanical femorotibial angle (3 degrees valgus to 3 degrees varus) was obtained by 33 cases in group A and 31 cases in group B (p > 0.05). Better results were seen for the coronal and sagittal orientation of both tibial and femoral components in group A. Globally, 26 cases of the group A and 12 cases of the group B were implanted in an optimal manner for all studied criteria (p < 0.01).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The used navigation system allows a significant improvement of the quality of implantation of a knee total prosthesis in comparison to a classical, surgeon-controlled instrumentation. Long-term outcome could be consequently improved.
authors.affiliation: JYJENNY@AOL.COM
authors.forename: J Y
authors.initials: JY
authors.lastname: Jenny
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Boeri
mesh_terms: D019645:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee / Q000295:instrumentation*; D016287:Computer Peripherals; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008838:Microcomputers; D020370:Osteoarthritis, Knee / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011859:Radiography; D013523:Surgical Equipment; D016896:Treatment Outcome