Abstract
Introduction: Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) presents challenges in achieving alignment for unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). Aim: Development and assessment of an image guidance system for MIS implanted Oxford UKA.
Methods: The Surgetics platform which uses intra-operative data acquisition was chosen as the base system. Software was developed to determine height of tibial cut, image guidance of saws, alignment of components and assessment of ligament tension. The accuracy of component placement was assessed in vitro using matched pairs of knees randomised into navigated (NAV n=10) and standard manual (MAN n=10) procedures; standardised postoperative A-P and lateral radiographs were used. Pre and post-operative kinematics were assessed (NAV n=6, MAN n=7). The changes postoperatively over knee flexion and extension were calculated for tibiofemoral rotation (ΔROT) and ab/adduction (ΔABD).
Results: Accurate component placement was achieved with both methods without significant differences. Tibial cut height was more accurately in the NAV group (re-cut rate: NAV 33%, MAN 50%). NAV femoral component placement was as accurate as MAN with intramedullary rod. For the flexing cycle mean ΔROT was −0.06° (range 6.08° to −3.93°) and mean ΔABD was −0.04° (range 3.39° to −5.72°). There were no observable differences between the NAV and MAN kinematics. Overall, no observable differences were found between pre and post-operative kinematics.
Conclusions: Image guidance produces accurate placement through MIS approach and reduces the amount of tibial bone resection.
Correspondence should be addressed to Mr Carlos Wigderowitz, Honorary Secretary BORS, University Dept of Orthopaedic & Trauma Surgery, Ninewells Hospital & Medical School, Dundee DD1 9SY.
