The most reported benefit of TKA navigation technologies has been the reduction in limb and component alignment outliers. This improvement has not been shown to effect clinical outcomes. This study was designed to compare the functional outcomes between computer assisted techniques and manual techniques. Each group had 60 patients with similar demographics. The average functional outcomes (SF-36, WOMAC, range of motion, pain relief, and knee society score) were the same. The average scores of the SF-36, Knee Society Score, WOMAC were similar for the two groups. However, fewer patients in Group II reported visual analog pain scores greater than 40 at 6 wks, 3 mos and 6 mos. At 1 yr, the pain scores of the two groups were similar. Fewer patients in Group II had KSS scores less than 70 at 3 months, 80 at 6 months, and 90 at one year, than those in Group I. The average range of motion in Group II was greater by 8 degrees at 4 wks and 3 mos, but equal to the average ROM in Group I at 6 and 12 mos. However, the number of patients with less than 90 degrees of motion at each follow-up period was less in Group II than in Group I at each follow-up period. There were fewer superficial wound infections in Group II than in Group I. The average functional outcomes were similar; the results indicate a consistent reduction in outliers in most measured parameters of functional outcomes. In particular, the guidelines for administering pain medication and providing physical therapy were similar for the two groups. The results of this study are parallel to the radiographic results comparing TKA’s performed with manual and computer assisted instrumentation. In those studies, a reduction in outliers was consistently associated with the use of computer assisted techniques.
Customization makes it possible to fulfill design requirements during MIS-THA procedures, and has helped define the parameters of fit and fill. This study describes the results of using customization techniques to develop a femoral implant for utilization. CT-based design criteria for femoral implants has-been developed and used for primary, cement-less, non-minimally invasive THA surgery. Over 1000 procedures performed with these devices have been associated with displaced femoral fractures, and have been revised for septic loosening. This study has 2 parts:
20 implants were designed and implanted with CT-based criteria that utilized the identical fit and fill standards of the custom implants previously established, but had short (<
115 mm), tapered stems; 20 patients underwent primary, cement-less THR wherein an off-the-shelf femoral implant system was determined to fulfill fit and fill requirements of custom implants. The stem of these implants was shortened (95–115 mm) and tapered. Implants in both groups were inserted using a single incision, posterior-lateral MIS approach. Patients were followed clinically and radiographically for six months. Immediate full weightbearing and use of a single cane were encouraged. The use of CT-based customization techniques is helpful for defining design criteria of femoral implants, but the instrumentation for inserting these implants must be adapted to the specific surgery. Customization also facilitates the design and evaluation of CAOS applications for inserting these MIS implants.
