Investigation of preliminary clinical outcome following total knee arthroplasty using image-free computer-assisted navigation system

Abstract

Objective To investigate the technique, learning curve, and early clinical effects of computer-assisted total knee arthroplasty (TKA) or standard instrumentation TKA. Methods From August2007 to May 2008, 60 KSS-A type patients (67 knees) underwent primary TKA operations by the same surgi-cal team. Among them, 22 knees underwent THA with the aid of the image-free navigation system (including5 knees and 17 knees, with the average age of 64.53 years); the other 45 underwent conventional TKA (12 knees and 33 knees, with the average age of 66.34 years). The preoperative demographic data and functional data have no statistical differences. The operation time, blood loss, duration of early postoperative quadriceps dysfunctions and complications were compared between the two groups. Results The operating time was significantly longer in computer-assisted group compared with conventional TKA group (P 0.05). No patient who received computer-assisted TKA had an extent lag of more than 25 degrees 5 days postoperatively. Conclusion Use of image-free navigation system in TKA has improved the accuracy of total knee prosthesis alignment, and provided faster quadriceps functional re-covery than conventional manual methods. The technique of using of Image-free navigation system in TKA is easy to use, and has a short learning curve. Key words: Arthroplasty, replacement, knee; Surgery, computer-assisted; Treatment outcome