Computer navigation systems in unicompartmental knee arthroplasty: a systematic review.

We conducted a systematic review to consolidate the body of knowledge about use of computer navigation systems in unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA), to determine whether these systems are useful in UKA, and to discuss the financial costs involved. We searched Medline (2002 to 2013) for articles in which results of navigated and conventional techniques were compared. In the navigated group, implant alignment was optimal in the desired angular range more often, and there were fewer outliers. However, the groups did not differ with respect to clinical knee scores, survival rates, or range of motion. Longer surgery in the navigation group could result in an increase in navigation-related complications. The lack of clear evidence of the usefulness of computer-assisted navigation systems in UKA has impeded universal acceptance of this technology in the orthopedic community. Definitive evidence can be generated only with large randomized studies with long-term follow-up.