Comparison of the Radiological Results Between Linker-Guided and Navigation-Guided total Knee Arthroplasty

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To compare the accuracy of implantation by radiologic results between 3D Linker and navigation guided total knee arthroplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between February 2004 and April 2005, total knee arthroplasties were done in 25 knees with balanced gap-resection technique (group A) and 25 using kinematic navigation system(group B) by a single surgeon. All patients had standing long anteroposterior (AP) radiographs of the lower extremities and supine lateral radiographs of the knees at 6 weeks postoperatively. Mechanical axis deviation, alpha and beta, angles were measured on standing long leg AP views and alpha and beta angles on supine knee lateral views. Results were classified according to the deviation from the reference line and graded as excellent, good, and poor. The result was regarded as satisfactory when all five angles were excellent or good. RESULTS: The mean mechanical axis deviation was 1.11degrees in group A and 1.36degrees in group B and all were excellent in both groups. Regarding alpha.angles, 19 cases were excellent and, 6 good in group A and, 21 excellent and 4 good in group B. Regarding., angles, 22 cases were excellent and, 3 good in group A and, 23 excellent and 2 good in group B. Regarding.,, angles, 15 cases were excellent, 8 good and 2 poor in group A and, 15 excellent, 9 good, and 1 poor in group B. Regarding beta angles, 19 cases were excellent, 3 good and 3 poor in group A and, 23 excellent, and 2 poor in group B. There were no statistical differences between two groups in all five angles (p>0.05). An excellent implantation in all five angles was obtained in 28% in group A and 60% in group B (p0.05). CONCLUSION: Radiological results (mechanical axis and component angles) of total knee arthroplasty were satisfactory in 80% with balanced gap-resection technique and 84% with kinematic navigation system and showed no statistical difference.