title: [Computer-assisted navigation for total knee arthroplasty: a comparative study with conventional methods].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To compare the effects of Computer-assisted navigation (CAS) and conventional location technique in total knee arthroplasty (TKA).
  
  
  METHODS
  Eight patients (11 knees) underwent CAS and 9 patients (11 knees) underwent conventional location technique for TKA. Follow-up was conducted for 5 - 12 months. The outcomes were compared.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mechanical axe error of the CAS group was (2.14 +/- 0.25) degrees, significantly less than that of the conventional group [(5.12 +/- 2.13) degrees, P = 0.005]. The soft tissue balance angle variable of the CAS group was (1.04 +/- 0.18) degrees, significantly less than that of the conventional group [(4.12 +/- 1.72) degrees, P = 0.005]. The soft tissue separation variable of the CAS group was (3.4 +/- 1.2) mm, significantly less than that of the conventional group [(6.1 +/- 2.4) mm, P = 0.005]. No fat embolism occurred in these 2 groups. The operating time of the CAS group was (82 +/- 18) min, significantly longer than that of the conventional group [(59 +/- 11) min, P = 0.005].
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  CAS causes more reliable artificial joint implantation and better soft-tissues balance, however, needs more operating time.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shenyang Orthopedic Hospital, Shenyang 110044, China.
authors.forename: Chong-Guang
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: Leng
authors.forename: Jiang-Tao
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Zhao
authors.forename: Chong-Min
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Zhong-Qiang
authors.initials: ZQ
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Hong-Na
authors.initials: HN
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Yang
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Zhao
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000844:Ankylosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D019645:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007720:Knee Prosthesis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D038361:Neuronavigation / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome