Long-term subjective outcomes of computer-assisted total knee arthroplasty

Purpose

This study aimed to clarify the results of computer-assisted total knee arthroplasty (TKA) after ten years using patient-derived scores.

Methods

Thirty posterior-stabilised total knee prostheses implanted using a computed tomography-free navigation system were compared with 30 matched total knee prostheses of the same type implanted using a conventional, manual technique. At an average of ten years after surgery, we investigated patient-reported outcomes using the Knee Society’s new scoring system. The results of 27 patients (14 patients in the navigation group and 13 patients in the manual group) were assessed in this study.

Results

There was no significant difference between the navigation and manual groups for any section of the questionnaire, which consisted of symptoms, patient satisfaction, patient expectation, walking/standing, standard activities, advanced activities, and discretionary activities.

Conclusion

After long-term follow-up, we found no subjective advantages of using a navigation system for patients who undergo TKA though the absolute number of patients was very small. Additional extensive studies are required to validate our result.