NAVIGATION IN KNEE REPLACEMENT – PRELIMINARY EXPERIENCES AND PROSPECTIVE FOLLOW-UP OF THE FIRST 110 CONSECUTIVE ARTHROPLASTIES

Abstract

Objectives: to illustrate our clinical experience with the computer-integrated instrumentation system in knee arthroplasty.

Method: From August 2003 to April 2006, 71 patients with knee osteoarthritis underwent 71 primary TKR operations by the same surgical team. All these operations were performed with the aid of the CT-free kinematic navigation system, Results, including operation time, radiographic alignment of the prosthesis and complications were analysed.

Results: The average wound length was 11.2 centimeters. Patients in the kinematic navigation group achieved accurate alignment in the coronal plane in terms of postoperative mechanical axis (1.89 +/− 0.63 degrees. one perioperative fractures and mediolateral flexion laxity occurred both of which were attributed to patient factors as opposed to operation procedures. No major complications such as infection or pulmonary embolism occurred in this cohort.

Conclusions: The OrthoPilot system facilitates proper alignment of the component in knee arthroplasty. We found the OrthoPilot system is reliable and reproducible. The preliminary results justify continuing the use of this technologyto help the patients to provide the best possible care. Use of a kinematic navigation system in TKR is easy to use, and requires an additional operation time.