Computer-assisted implantation of total knee prostheses: a case-control comparative study with classical instrumentation.

A navigation system should improve the quality of a total knee prosthesis implantation in comparison to that obtained with the classical, surgeon-controlled operative technique. The authors implanted 30 total knee prostheses with an infrared navigation system (Orthopilot, Aesculap, Tuttlingen, Germany). The quality of implantation was studied on postoperative long-leg coronal and lateral X-rays, and compared to a control group of 30 matched-paired total knee prostheses of the same type (Search prosthesis, Aesculap, Tuttlingen, Germany) implanted with a classical, surgeon-controlled technique. An optimal mechanical femorotibial angle (177 to 183 degrees) was obtained in 25 cases in the study group and 21 cases in the control group (p > 0.05). Similar differences were seen for the coronal and sagittal orientations of both tibial and femoral components. Globally, 23 cases in the study group and 8 cases in the control group were implanted in an optimal manner for all studied criteria (p < 0.001). The navigation system used allows a significant improvement in the quality of implantation of a total knee prosthesis in comparison to that obtained with a classical, surgeon-controlled instrumentation, and long-term outcome could consequently be improved. Copyright 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.