Abstract
Aim: To compare between the number of steps and instruments required for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using 3 different techniques. The proposed techniques were conventional technique, conventional technique with patient-specific pin locators and CAOS technique using patient-specific templates (PST). Patients and methods: Zimmer/Nexgen was used as the standard implant and templating system for TKA. A Comparison was done on the number of steps and instruments required for TKA when performed with conventional technique, conventional technique with patient-specific pin locators and CAOS technique with patient-specific templates (PST) used as cutting guides. Results: The essential steps and instruments required for conventional TKA without surgical approach or bone exposure were average 70 steps with 183 different instruments; for conventional technique with patient-specific pin locators, they were average 20 steps with 40 instruments and two templates; for CAOS technique using PST, they were average 10 steps with two templates and 15 accessory instruments. CAOS PST technique required an average of 4 days for preoperative preparation and templates fabrication. Conclusion: CAOS technique using PST could make TKA less complicated in light of essential steps and instrumentation required. Although this technique required accurate preoperative preparation, it could offer less technical errors and shorter operative time compared to conventional TKA techniques. The errors’ rate for each technique was still depending on the surgeon's skills and training; however, CAOS technique with PST required shorter learning curve.
