EFFECTIVE OF A CT FREE NAVIGATION SYSTEM IN ACL RECONSTRUCTION

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study was to prove the effectiveness of the CT-free OrthoPilot navigation system (Aesculap-B. Braun, Tuttlingen, Germany).

Material and Method: 40 ACL reconstructions with and 40 without use of this navigation system were performed from 2005. The software calculated the isometry of the reconstructed ligament in respect of its tibial and femoral insertions. Both tunnels were then drilled with use of navigation. In the controll group, the procedure was performed in standard manner. The femoral tunnel position was evaluated according to the method described by Harner and the tibial tunnel according to Bernard and Hertel. The joint stability was measured with use of KT-1000. The clinical results were evaluated according to Lysholm.

Results: The femoral tunnel was in the navigated group localised in the ideal position with a mean deviation up to 8 % from the ideal tunnel center in 35 cases (87,5 %) and in the acceptable position with a mean deviation up to 14 % in 5 cases (12,5 %). In the controll group was the femoral tunnel localised in the ideal position in 14 cases (35,0 %), in the acceptable position in 14 cases (35 %) and in the wrong position in 12 cases (30 %).

The tibial tunnel was in the navigated and also in the controll group localised in the ideal position in zone B in 37 cases (92,5 %).

The mean additinal operation time caused by Ortho-Pilot navigation was 11 minutes. No complications were observed in both groups. There was no difference in Lysholm score between both groups. The dispersion of the stability values was greater in the controll group.

Conclusions: The kinematic navigation system permited more correct placement of femoral drilling tunnel then the standard technique.