Experience with Computer-Assisted Navigation for Total Knee Arthroplasty in a Community Setting

This study analyzed the initial experience with computer-assisted navigation for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in a community hospital. One hundred TKAs performed with a navigation system were compared with 100 performed conventionally. Component alignment results, measured by computed tomography, were grouped as good, fair, poor, or extremely poor, based on deviation from the surgical goal. More navigated knees were classified as good (sagittal, 78%-93%; coronal, 98%; axial, 78%-85%) compared with conventional (sagittal, 47%-64%; coronal, 91%; axial, 89%-90%). Outliers were reduced both in number and severity with navigation. Additional time required to navigate diminished with experience, although improved component alignment was observed from the initial cases. Navigation resulted in improved alignment, with minimal time cost, and is a useful tool for TKA for the community surgeon.