Abstract
Purpose
To evaluate the accuracy of the alignment of lower extremity in 661 cases of total knee replacement arthroplasty (TKA) using navigation system.
Materials and method
From June 2006 to September 2008, 661 cases (431 patients) of TKA using navigation system were operated. To analyze the mechanical axis, the weight bearing full length lower extremity radiographs were taken preoperatively and 3 weeks after the operation. The results from a well- experienced surgeon (423 cases) were compared with those from a less-experienced surgeon (238 cases), and they both used the navigation.
Results
The mean of mechanical axis was −13.3Ëš (range: −33.3Ëš∼10.6Ëš) preoperatively, but it was corrected as −2.0Ëš (range: −14.3Ëš∼7.5Ëš) after TKA using navigation. There was no significant difference between the mean, −1.8Ëš (range: −13.4Ëš∼6.8Ëš) by a well-experienced surgeon and the mean, −2.2Ëš (range: −14.3Ëš∼7.5Ëš) by a less-experienced one.
Conclusion
According to the radiologic results, the navigation is beneficiary for the accuracy of mechanical axis in TKA. The navigation system helps a less-experienced surgeon increase the accuracy of lower extremity alignment.
