Abstract
1. The aim of this study was to assess the safety and effectivness of Computer Assisted TKR through minimally invasive incisions.
2. Twenty-two patients underwent MIS CAS TKR surgery over a five-month period, using a Knee Navigation system and Specialist instruments developed for this technique. The length of surgery, time to achieve 90 Flexion, time from end of surgery to first walking, length of stay, blood loss and component alignment were assessed. Complications were also recorded.
The results show the range of surgical time from 100–180 minutes, the time to achieve 90 degrees flexion and SLR from 1–9 hours post surgery. Patients took from 3–12 hours to walk with a frame following surgery and stay as inpatients from 2–5 days. Blood loss ranged from 200–1180 mls. Femoral component varus/valgus ranged from 89–94 degrees, whilst tibial varus/valgus ranged from 87–91 degrees. There were 2 superficial wound infections, which resolved with antibiotics.
3. MIS CAS TKR surgeries can be performed safely and effectively with the aid of computer navigation to produce component alignment comparable to standard open techniques. However it has dramatically improved patient’s recovery after TKR surgery. The effects clearly warrant further investigation in the form of a multi-centre trial.
Correspondence should be addressed to Roger Smith, Honorary Secretary, BASK c/o Royal College of Surgeons, 35 – 43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3PN
