BACKGROUND: Achieving soft tissue balance is an operative goal in total knee arthroplasty. This randomised, prospective study compared computer navigation to conventional techniques in achieving soft tissue balance. METHODS:Forty one consecutive knee arthroplasties were randomised to either a non-navigated or navigated group. In the non-navigated group, balancing was carried out using surgeon judgement. In the navigated group, balancing was carried out using navigation software. In both groups, the navigation software was used as a measuring tool. RESULTS: Balancing of the mediolateral extension gap was superior in the navigation group (p=0.001). No significant difference was found between the two groups in balancing the mediolateral flexion gap or in achieving equal flexion and extension gaps. CONCLUSIONS:Computer navigation offered little advantage over experienced surgeon judgement in achieving soft tissue balance in knee replacement. However, the method employed in the navigated group did provide a reproducible and objective assessment of flexion and extension gaps and may therefore benefit surgeons in training. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I, RCT.
RCT Entities:
BACKGROUND: Achieving soft tissue balance is an operative goal in total knee arthroplasty. This randomised, prospective study compared computer navigation to conventional techniques in achieving soft tissue balance. METHODS: Forty one consecutive knee arthroplasties were randomised to either a non-navigated or navigated group. In the non-navigated group, balancing was carried out using surgeon judgement. In the navigated group, balancing was carried out using navigation software. In both groups, the navigation software was used as a measuring tool. RESULTS: Balancing of the mediolateral extension gap was superior in the navigation group (p=0.001). No significant difference was found between the two groups in balancing the mediolateral flexion gap or in achieving equal flexion and extension gaps. CONCLUSIONS: Computer navigation offered little advantage over experienced surgeon judgement in achieving soft tissue balance in knee replacement. However, the method employed in the navigated group did provide a reproducible and objective assessment of flexion and extension gaps and may therefore benefit surgeons in training. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I, RCT.
Authors: John M Keggi; Edgar A Wakelin; Jan A Koenig; Jeffrey M Lawrence; Amber L Randall; Corey E Ponder; Jeffrey H DeClaire; Sami Shalhoub; Stephen Lyman; Christopher Plaskos Journal: Arch Orthop Trauma Surg Date: 2021-07-13 Impact factor: 3.067
Authors: Sami Shalhoub; Jeffrey M Lawrence; John M Keggi; Amber L Randall; Jeffrey H DeClaire; Christopher Plaskos Journal: Arthroplast Today Date: 2019-08-13