Alineación en la artroplastia total de rodilla. (Inglés)

Bathis H, Perlick L, Tingart M, Luring C, Zurakowski D, Grifka J.
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Regensburg, Germany.

Restoration of neutral alignment of the leg is an important factor affecting the long-term results of total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Recent developments in computer-assisted surgery have focused on systems for improving TKA. In a prospective study two groups of 80 patients undergoing TKA had operations using either a computer-assisted navigation system or a conventional technique. Alignment of the leg and the orientation of components were determined on post-operative long-leg coronal and lateral films. The mechanical axis of the leg was significantly better in the computer-assisted group (96%, within +/- 3 degrees varus/valgus) compared with the conventional group (78%, within +/- 3 degrees varus/valgus). The coronal alignment of the femoral component was also more accurate in the computer-assisted group. Computer-assisted TKA gives a better correction of alignment of the leg and orientation of the components compared with the conventional technique. Potential benefits in the long-term outcome and functional improvement require further investigation.