Comparison of functional and radiological outcomes after computer-assisted versus conventional total knee arthroplasty: a matched-control retrospective study.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the radiological and functional outcomes of patients who underwent either computer-assisted or conventional total knee arthroplasty (TKA).


METHODS
Two groups of 50 patients each underwent either computer-assisted or conventional TKA were retrospectively studied. Patients were matched according to body mass index (BMI), gender, and age. Three senior orthopaedic surgeons with comparable experience performed all surgeries, using 3 different prostheses. The surgical approach and peri- and postoperative regimens were the same. The mechanical axis and the tibial and femoral angles were measured using standardised long-leg weight-bearing radiographs. Overall function was assessed using the Short Form-12 (SF-12) and International Knee Society (IKS) scores.


RESULTS
No intra-operative technical difficulties were encountered in either group. The computer-assisted group resulted in more consistent and accurate alignments in both the coronal and sagittal planes and better SF-12 and IKS scores. In obese patients (BMI=30 kg/m2 or more), computer-assisted TKA provided better alignment than the conventional technique.


CONCLUSIONS
Computer-assisted TKA improves implant positioning, limb alignment, and overall functional outcome. It may be particularly advantageous for obese patients.
Ek
E T H
ET
Department of Orthopaedics, University of Melbourne, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.
Dowsey
M M
MM
Tse
L F
LF
Riazi
A
A
Love
B R
BR
Stoney
J D
JD
Choong
P F M
PF
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D019645:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee / Q000379:methods*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011859:Radiography; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome