Alignment in total knee arthroplasty. A comparison of computer-assisted surgery with the conventional technique.
Restoration of neutral alignment of the leg is an important factor affecting the long-term results of total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Recent developments in computer-assisted surgery have focused on systems for improving TKA. In a prospective study two groups of 80 patients undergoing TKA had operations using either a computer-assisted navigation system or a conventional technique. Alignment of the leg and the orientation of components were determined on post-operative long-leg coronal and lateral films. The mechanical axis of the leg was significantly better in the computer-assisted group (96%, within +/- 3 degrees varus/valgus) compared with the conventional group (78%, within +/- 3 degrees varus/valgus). The coronal alignment of the femoral component was also more accurate in the computer-assisted group. Computer-assisted TKA gives a better correction of alignment of the leg and orientation of the components compared with the conventional technique. Potential benefits in the long-term outcome and functional improvement require further investigation.
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Regensburg, Germany.
H
H
Bäthis
L
L
Perlick
M
M
Tingart
C
C
Lüring
D
D
Zurakowski
J
J
Grifka
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D019645:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015588:Observer Variation; D020370:Osteoarthritis, Knee / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods