Open AccessThe Learning Curve and Alignment Assessment of an Image-Free Handheld Robot in TKA: The First Patient Series in Europe
Author(s) -
Peter Bollars,
Anton Boeckxstaens,
Jan Mievis,
Daniel Janssen
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
epic series in health sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Conference proceedings
ISSN - 2398-5305
DOI - 10.29007/3nl1
Subject(s) - valgus , medicine , learning curve , orthodontics , surgery , computer science , operating system
BACKGROUND: The typical goal of TKA is to obtain a neutral mechanical axis of the leg. The NAVIO® Surgical System (Smith & Nephew, Pittsburgh, PA, USA) is aimed at reducing technical errors and outliers. The aim of this study is to assess the surgeons’ learning curve and limb alignment in TKA. METHODS: The first sixty-nine patients who underwent TKA with the NAVIO system by two experienced surgeons were included in this study. Pre- and postoperative mechanical limb alignment and balancing was measured by the NAVIO system. Registration time, planning time and cutting time was monitored preoperatively by the NAVIO™ system. All data was analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: The mean preoperative mechanical limb alignment was 3.18° varus (SD 4.28°, range 15.08° varus to 4.30° of valgus). The mean intraoperative planned angle was 0.59° varus (SD 0.97°, range 2.50° varus to 0.99° valgus). The mean postoperative alignment was 1.17° varus (SD 1.78°, range 4.52° varus to 4.33° valgus. The mean extra surgical time (EST) for registration and planning decreased from 23.4min (SD 3.7min) to 13.2min (SD 2.0) throughout the learning curve with a range of 10min05sec to 28min19sec.CONCLUSION: The NAVIO robotic system is a valuable tool in assisting total knee arthroplasty. It allows the surgeon to accurately determine optimal implant position for each patient and minimize statistical outliers in alignment.