title: Computer assisted navigation in total knee arthroplasty: comparison with conventional methods.
abstract: The success of knee arthroplasty is dependent on many factors. Postoperative extremity and component alignment are important determinants of outcome and longevity. Malalignment (>3 degrees ) results in higher failure rates. Computer-assisted navigation devices were developed to improve implant positioning. This study evaluated the early outcomes of a high-volume fellowship-trained surgeon relative to component positioning and limb alignment using an image-free navigation system. The navigation group consisted of 116 consecutive patients, and the conventional group consisted of 51 consecutive patients. The postoperative mechanical axis was within 3 degrees of neutral mechanical alignment in 95% of the navigation cases vs 84% of the conventional cases (P < .02). The range of the alignment and component position measurements narrowed, and the undesired outliers decreased. Accuracy was improved with navigation. Navigation was a viable device to improve the outcome of total knee arthroplasty relative to limb and component alignment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Wayne State University/Detroit Medical Center, Providence Hospital, Detroit, Michigan, USA.
authors.forename: Kevin C
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Anderson
authors.forename: Knute C
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Buehler
authors.forename: David C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Markel
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D019645:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee / Q000379:methods*; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted