Does accurate anatomical alignment result in better function and quality of life? Comparing conventional and computer-assisted total knee arthroplasty.
This is a randomized prospective controlled trial comparing the alignment, function, and patient quality-of-life outcomes between patients undergoing conventional (CONV) and computer-assisted (CAS) knee arthroplasty. One hundred and fifteen patients (60 CAS, 55 CONV) underwent cemented total knee arthroplasty. Three patients were lost to follow-up. Eighty-eight percent (CAS) vs 61% (CONV) of knees achieved a mechanical axis within 3 degrees of neutral (P = .003). Aligning femoral rotation with the epicondylar axis was accurately achieved in CAS and CONV with no significant difference. Patients with coronal alignment within 3 degrees of neutral had superior International Knee Society and Short-Form 12 physical scores at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery. Computer-assisted total knee arthroplasty achieves greater accuracy in implant alignment and this correlates with better knee function and improved quality of life.
Choong
Peter F
PF
Department of Orthopaedics, St Vincent's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Dowsey
Michelle M
MM
Stoney
James D
JD
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D019645:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D017760:Bone Malalignment / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000502:physiology* / Q000601:surgery; D007720:Knee Prosthesis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D017755:Prosthesis Fitting / Q000379:methods*; D011788:Quality of Life; D011859:Radiography; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome