Three-dimensional analysis of image-free navigation system for total knee arthroplasty

Musculoskelet Surg. 2011 Aug;95(2):81-7. doi: 10.1007/s12306-010-0090-7. Epub 2010 Dec 29.

Abstract

Malalignment causes abnormal forces that may lead to loosening after knee replacement. Whether a computer-assisted technique can improve the precision of implant positioning guaranteeing good long-term results in total knee arthroplasty, this is a matter of discussion. The authors evaluate the alignment accuracy of 20 primary total knee arthroplasties, performed using an image-free computer navigation systems, with standardized CT protocol and three-dimensional digital model reconstruction. The results of this study demonstrate that the image-free navigation system is able to improve accuracy in axial limb alignment and positioning of the components in the majority of cases; moreover, the difference between the mean mechanical axis value of the navigation system (179.7° ± 1.7°) and the median mean value obtained during the post-operative evaluation (180.3° ± 1.9°) is not statistically significant (P = 0.28).

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Algorithms
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / surgery
  • Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee* / methods
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Osteoarthritis, Knee / etiology
  • Osteoarthritis, Knee / surgery*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Surgery, Computer-Assisted* / methods
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Treatment Outcome