Short-term outcome after computer-assisted versus conventional total knee arthroplasty: a randomised controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the short-term functional outcome after computer-assisted total knee arthroplasty (TKA) versus conventional TKA.


METHODS
23 men and 67 women aged 48 to 80 years were randomised to undergo (1) conventional TKA using an intramedullary guide, (2) conventional TKA using an extramedullary guide, or (3) computer-assisted TKA. Two senior surgeons performed all the TKAs using the same TKA system and the standard anteromedial arthrotomy with eversion of the patella. Patients were assessed by physiotherapists before and 6 months and 2 years after TKA using the Short Form-36 Health Survey, Oxford Knee Score, and Knee Society Score.


RESULTS
Of the 90 patients, 67 and 70 were assessed at 6 months and 2 years after TKA, respectively. No patient developed deep infection or required revision surgery. Functional outcomes of the 3 groups did not differ significantly at the corresponding follow-ups.


CONCLUSIONS
Significant improvement in the functional outcome was not shown in patients treated with computer-assisted TKA, compared with conventional TKA. Thus, computer-assisted TKA has limited additional short-term benefits. Further studies with longer follow-up are required to examine the benefits of computer-assisted TKA.
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Singapore General Hospital.
Wei Ting
WT
Lee
Pak Lin
PL
Chin
Ngai Nung
NN
Lo
Seng Jin
SJ
Yeo
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D019645:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted; D016896:Treatment Outcome
arthroplasty, replacement, knee; surgery, computer-assisted