gms | German Medical Science

54. Jahrestagung der Norddeutschen Orthopädenvereinigung e. V.

Norddeutsche Orthopädenvereinigung

16.06. bis 18.06.2005, Hamburg

First experiences with computer navigation assisted minimally invasive total knee replacement

Meeting Abstract

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  • corresponding author D. Schulze Bertelsbeck - St. Josef Krankenhaus Moers GmbH, Abteilung für Unfall- und Wiederherstellungschirurgie, Moers
  • D. Veelken - Moers

Norddeutsche Orthopädenvereinigung. 54. Jahrestagung der Norddeutschen Orthopädenvereinigung e.V.. Hamburg, 16.-18.06.2005. Düsseldorf, Köln: German Medical Science; 2005. Doc05novK2.06

The electronic version of this article is the complete one and can be found online at: http://www.egms.de/en/meetings/nov2005/05nov006.shtml

Published: June 13, 2005

© 2005 Schulze Bertelsbeck et al.
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/deed.en). You are free: to Share – to copy, distribute and transmit the work, provided the original author and source are credited.


Outline

Text

Introduction

Studies suggest improved recovery using minimally invasive techniques and accurate implant alignment using computer navigation in total knee replacement. The combination of a minimally invasive technique with computer navigation was evaluated.

Patients and methods

15 patients underwent a navigation assisted total knee replacement using a minimally invasive midvastus approach with fixation of the navigation system by two separate skin incisions. Postoperative course and radiographic alignment was analyzed. Functional outcomes were compared preoperatively and 6 weeks postoperatively.

Results

Average incision length was 11.4 ± 1,1 cm. At 6 weeks passive range of motion was 106,3 ± 9,0 degrees, Knee Society Score changed from 84 ± 14 to 153 ± 18 and Oxford Knee Score from 44 ± 7 to 27 ± 7. Straight leg raise was obtained at day 2,8 ± 1,0. Bloodloss amounted to 696 ± 172 ml. Radiographic alignment of implants showed ± 3 degrees position in femoral and tibial coronal and axial plains in all patients. Postoperative recovery did not show an impaired or painful course.

Discussion

The results suggest the practical combination of a navigation system with a minimally invasive technique.

If limited disruption of the extensor mechanism led to a rapid restoration of the quadriceps function but has a limited exposure of the knee, the navigation system represents a helpful tool for the positioning of implants.

Further evaluation with greater patient collectives, longer followup and optimal instrument design are required before this combination may become a reasonable alternative for the eligible patient.