The majority of adverse events associated with CNTKA were minor and comparable with those seen with conventional TKA .
Clinical outcomes were comparable between the two techniques , with longer-term follow-up suggesting that CNTKA provided no benefit over conventional TKA in terms of sustained functional improvements .
At present , it is unclear whether the significant improvements shown in radiological outcomes after CNTKA translate to measurable clinical benefits .
BACKGROUND Conventional total knee arthroplasty ( TKA ) and the more recently available computer-navigated total knee arthroplasty ( CNTKA ) use alternative methods to achieve correct limb alignment .
This systematic review was undertaken to assess the safety and effectiveness of CNTKA compared with conventional TKA .
Blood loss after total knee replacement: effects of computer-assisted surgery.
We carried out a prospect i ve r and omised study to evaluate the blood loss in 60 patients having a total knee arthroplasty and divided r and omly into two equal groups , one having a computer-assisted procedure and the other a st and ard operation . The surgery was carried out by a single surgeon at one institution using a uniform approach . The only variable in the groups was the use of intramedullary femoral and tibial alignment jigs in the st and ard group and single tracker pins of the imageless navigation system in the tibia and femur in the navigated group . The mean drainage of blood was 1351 ml ( 715 to 2890 ; 95 % confidence interval ( CI ) 1183 to 1518 ) in the computer-aided group and 1747 ml ( 1100 to 3030 ; CI 1581 to 1912 ) in the conventional group . This difference was statistically significant ( p = 0.001 ) . The mean calculated loss of haemoglobin was 36 g/dl in the navigated group versus 53 g/dl in the conventional group ; this was significant at p < 0.00001 . There was a highly significant reduction in blood drainage and the calculated Hb loss between the computer-assisted and the conventional techniques . This allows the ordering of less blood before the operation , reduces risks at transfusion and gives financial saving .  Computer-assisted surgery may also be useful for patients in whom blood products are not acceptable
The majority of adverse events associated with CNTKA were minor and comparable with those seen with conventional TKA .
Clinical outcomes were comparable between the two techniques , with longer-term follow-up suggesting that CNTKA provided no benefit over conventional TKA in terms of sustained functional improvements .
At present , it is unclear whether the significant improvements shown in radiological outcomes after CNTKA translate to measurable clinical benefits .
BACKGROUND Conventional total knee arthroplasty ( TKA ) and the more recently available computer-navigated total knee arthroplasty ( CNTKA ) use alternative methods to achieve correct limb alignment .
This systematic review was undertaken to assess the safety and effectiveness of CNTKA compared with conventional TKA .