[Navigator concept. Optimizing the procedure for navigated total knee arthroplasty].
BACKGROUND
This study addresses work sharing during navigation-assisted total knee arthroplasty. Specifically, the concept is introduced of a "navigator" assistant who operates the navigation system during surgery while the surgeon concentrates on the primary steps of surgery.


METHODS
In a prospective study of 40 total knee arthroplasties, one group of patients was treated using the navigator concept, a second group was treated using a conventional navigation setup, and a third group was treated with conventional internal and external alignment jigs. Surgery time and outcome parameters were compared.


RESULTS
Results show a significant difference in surgery time between the three groups. The conventional and navigator concept groups showed similar surgery times; however, the navigation group without navigation concept exhibited longer surgery time.


CONCLUSIONS
The navigator concept represents a highly effective principle to minimize surgery time needed during navigated total knee arthroplasty.
Windhagen
H
H
Orthopädische Klinik, Medizinische Hochschule, Annastift, Hannover. windhagen@annastift.de
Thorey
F
F
Ostermeier
S
S
Emmerich
J
J
Wirth
C J
CJ
Stukenborg-Colsman
C
C
D000465:Algorithms; D019645:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care / Q000379:methods*; D011786:Quality Control; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012371:Robotics / Q000379:methods*; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome