Computed tomography evaluation in total knee arthroplasty: computer-assisted navigation versus conventional instrumentation in patients with advanced valgus arthritic knees.

Arthritic knees with advanced valgus deformity present with soft tissue and osseous anomalies that make total knee arthroplasty (TKA) difficult. We conducted a retrospective chart review of 41 patients (51 knees) to determine whether computer-assisted surgery-TKA (CAS-TKA) is superior to TKA using conventional guiding systems. A significantly higher rate of lateral retinaculum release as well as outlier of sagittal mechanical axes and position of the femoral component (femoral flexion and femoral rotational angle) was recorded in the conventional TKA group versus the CAS-TKA group. Both groups had significant postoperative improvement in clinical performance, but results did not differ significantly between groups. Despite its radiographic benefit, CAS-TKA showed no significant benefit over TKA in short-term clinical functional outcomes when performed by an experienced surgeon.