COMPUTER-ASSISTED KNEE REPLACEMENT: 4 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE WITH ORTHOPILOT

Malalignment in total knee replacement (TKR) is frequently associated with early failure and poor functional results. It has been suggested that errors in tibial and femoral alignment of > 3° occurs in at least 10% of TKR. Since 1999 we have been using a computer-based alignment system (Orthopilot;Aesculap,Tuttlingen,Germany) for TKR in more than 300 implants. The aim of this retrospective study is to present our experience in comparison with traditional alignment systems for TKR.Patients receiving TKR with different alignment systems were enrolled in the study and assigned to three different groups. In group A (38 cases) TKR was performed using a computer-assisted alignment system, in group B (40 cases) TKR was performed using a totally intramedullary alignment system and in group C (37 cases) TKR was performed using a totally extramedullary alignment system. The criteria for inclusion were a diagnosis of primary osteoarthritis, a pre-operative mechanical frontal axis (MFA) ranging from 165° to 195°, and...